We are all familiar with controversy. Whether controversial events are happening within our own lives or in our larger society, controversy can result in a lot of lively water cooler talk, inspire people to take action, and also be a catalyst for serious change. Controversy can be painful, it can be enlightening, it can be uncomfortable. Some of our best advancements have come as a result of controversy. Who doesn’t remember how controversial it was at one time to believe that our universe did not revolve around the Earth? 

Welcome to 2010! Other than Christmas, for me, the beginning of the year is the most exciting time of the year. It is the time of year when we are the most excited about the possibilities that await us, a time to begin again. I personally like to think we get wiser and more compassionate with each year that passes, that as we cross the threshold from one year to the next, anything is possible, and that we can take what we learned in the previous year with us to create an exciting new future of possibilities.

There couldn’t be a more perfect time to feature an issue on nutrition than the beginning of our wonderful summer months. The farms are full of fresh fruits and vegetables. People are spending more time in the great outdoors grilling and enjoying their families. I do so love the summer time!

While it is true that our current economy, particularly in Michigan, has made life difficult for many, not only in the U.S. but also abroad, it is refreshing to see so many individuals who are actively trying to make a difference.

By now we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring, with all of its wondrous and magical qualities. In March, we can often begin to see the signs that better weather is on its way. We begin to feel restless inside our homes and dream of the days not far away when we can spend more time outside. It’s a time of burgeoning hope and renewal, longer days and more activity.

What a great time of year to have an issue that highlights spirituality and the physical and emotional benefits that can be realized through a variety of spiritual practices. Kate Durda and Stephanie Tighe have provided an excellent article this month that introduces the practice of shamanism. There was so much fascinating information that we decided to have a two part article, the first part of which is featured this month and the concluding part in our January 2010 issue. We think you’ll love learning more about this tremendously ancient, yet current practice.

Welcome to April, one of my favorite months of the year! We have lots of great articles for you this month, as well as some very cool and much anticipated new features, both to our print publications as well as to our online community.

This month our feature article is from Dr. Carol Ann Fischer from Livonia. She has written a great article on the importance of hydration and the role that water plays in our health. Thank you Dr. Fischer!

Recently, on the MIE Radio Network, I found myself having a conversation with Corin Johnston about what it means to be a “succulent wild woman” and whether we view ourselves as one. For anyone who doesn’t know, there are many celebrations for women during the month of March, among them, International Women’s Day, which was the catalyst for us to examine the topic.

Our magazine this month focuses on awareness. Most of us spend the vast majority of our lives becoming more aware and learning how to use those new pieces of understanding to broaden our own sense of responsibility and compassion for ourselves and for others. It is a life-long process of becoming aware of new information, investigating our own beliefs, and hopefully evolving as we move throughout our lives.

Inspiration. When you research the etymology of the word you find “c.1300, ‘immediate influence of God or a god,” according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. The Late Latin word “inspiratio” means to breathe into. More recently many have come to view the word as a derivative of “in-spirit” meaning to be connected directly with your highest most divine self or spirit.

When we laid out the 2011 editorial calendar and identified October’s theme as “Our World,” I hoped that we would be able to have an article that spoke to different healing modalities elsewhere in the world. I had no idea that I would be in a unique position to be the one contributing the information.

Many of us think about mental health when we’re having one of those days that stresses us out. We also tend to think about mental health when we’re feeling depressed or blue. But many in our society view people with serious mental health issues as people who are hard to understand, mysterious, and perhaps even scary.