Happy September! It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since I took over this wonderful publication. The time has gone by quickly and I have learned so much about running a business, about RVA’s vibrant and growing natural health and wellness community and about myself. Eighteen issues later and I still look forward to each one—it makes me excited about the future of healthy living in the greater Richmond area.

Right now though, there is work to be done. Work to continue to build and grow this community into one that cares more for the environment and one another. One that has healthy meals and healthy conversations. One that builds new infrastructure and builds bridges to close gaps between the people of this great community. As we enter into what is sure to be an interesting final two months of this election year, let us remember to be kind. As the Talmud states, “The highest form of wisdom is kindness.”

I love that the presidential election always comes off the heels of an Olympics. The Olympics often serves as a symbol of unity and helps to promote peace and understanding in the spirit of healthy competition. In fact, one of my favorite commercials during the Olympics highlighted Maya Angelou’s poem, Human Family, that I find personally meaningful, relevant and worth sharing:

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple, tan and blue and white.

I’ve sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I’ve seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I’ve not seen any two
who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
we weep on England’s moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we’re the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

I hope you enjoy this special Yoga issue as much I enjoyed creating it. Happy Reading!

P.S. As always, please support our advertisers—they offer an amazing variety of products, services and opportunities to help you live your best life.