As October begins, fall is in full swing with the promising beauty of leaves changing into the majestic reds, oranges and yellows of a New England autumn. It is a time of year when I find myself truly grateful for the splendor around us, for the fun I have with my family and friends at fall festivals and gatherings, for the comradery around the firepit in the crisper air with sweatshirts and hot cider. I am thankful for the love of our like-minded community as we strive to do, learn and be better.

We celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 9, distinguishing their important contributions and resilience around the world. We honor the tribes that called New Haven and Middlesex Counties home, including the Mohican, Wappinger, Paugussett, Quinnipiac, Hammonassets, Mohegan, Wangunks and Western Nehântick. Visit Native Land Digital (native-land.ca) to learn the location and history of lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples around the globe. The website, which includes an interactive map, identifies territories, languages and treaties. Read our article on page 23.

With the October theme as traditional world medicine, we have articles about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and returning to the “old ways” with healing practices from herbalism and energy healing to Traditional Chinese Medicine and emotional healing. We take a look at how martial arts, qigong and tai chi help both experienced and new practitioners with spiritual mind-body connections. Local qigong practitioner Erik Harris gives insights into the practice with exercises you can try.

Our Healthy Kids section delves into how music helps with early brain development and learning life skills. From a local perspective, we have a community spotlight this month with Divinely Rooted Yoga Therapy and Mat Pilates Studio, which uses yoga, meditation, Pilates, qigong and barre as tools to help heal pain, addiction and mental health. 

Our holistic expert advertisers stand beside our publication in striving to help the local community by offering their services and supporting Natural Awakenings. Keep connecting with and supporting them as you continue your wellness journey. And please continue to share the great articles with family and friends!

All the Best,

Ariana Rawls Fine, Publisher