Happy July! As we enter into the lazy, hazy days of summer here in RVA, I can’t help but be thankful for the river that runs through the heart of our city. The James is a source of wonder, sport, relaxation and life. We are incredibly lucky to have access to it for drinking and leisure. Let’s work hard to keep it clean—together we can ensure that it remains a beautiful, safe natural resource for decades to come. If you’d like to get involved to help support initiatives related to the James River, visit JamesRiverAssociation.org.

Before we know it, November will be here and with it, Election Day. Regardless of who you choose to vote for, I encourage you to become informed about the issues and the candidates’ experience, views and goals regarding those issues. Often, it can feel like we’re surrounded by a myriad of opinions and conflicting points of view. The mainstream media is sometimes to blame for misinformation and misrepresentation—it’s easy to spin stories (just watch an episode of House of Cards). In this issue, the feature article centers around independent media and the important role it plays in “shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry.” Independent media aims to provide unbiased, fact-based, in-depth information to its readers and viewers.

    This issue also celebrates dads and 50 years of Integral Yoga. Take it with you to the beach, the pool, the river—share it with a friend. Wherever you end up reading, I hope you’ll find, within these pages, stories that inspire, new ideas to consider, helpful tips, local classes and events to attend and new practitioners or businesses that will help offer you healthier options to lead a more fulfilling life.

I wish you all the happiness and magic that summer has to offer.

Even after all this time
the sun never says to the
Earth, “You owe me.” Look
what happens with a love
like that. It lights the whole sky.
              ~ Hafiz

Happy Reading!

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