In considering this month’s theme of Living Simply, I’ve caught myself chuckling, thinking back to my youth when life seemed so much simpler. I vividly recall laughing to myself at the grownups when they reminisced about how much simpler times were in their own youth. It’s funny how these full circle moments reach out and tap us on the shoulder.

It does feel that with today’s increasingly fast-paced technological, social, political and environmental changes, life really is more stressful today than yesterday, both for adults and children. All you have to do is talk with a young adult to realize how complex and rapid-fire their life is. The truth of this came home to me in a recent conversation with my nephew Daniel (pictured above), who just graduated from high school, as we compared notes about “back then,” now and “what’s to come.” For good measure, I’ve also included a photo (below) of my brother-in-law, Jimi, with nieces Morgan, Ella and Abby, who also have much to contribute to the conversation.

Through my experience, I have discovered that living a simpler lifestyle can go a long way toward reducing personal stress levels and even recapturing welcome glimmers of more carefree days. I still cherish spring planting time, when we tilled the garden behind the garage. I particularly loved the succulent taste and soft, juicy texture of homegrown heirloom tomatoes. We harvested fresh vegetables all summer long and shared generously.

This month, we bring you many more ideas for revisiting a more simplified way of being. We invite you to streamline your life, eliminate stress and feel the blessings of sharing and conserving local, regional and global resources. We also welcome K.C. Wenger on board as assistant publisher. Her presence allows us to share the responsibilities and streamline the growth of this publication. Look to meet K.C. in next month’s issue.

We’re excited that our local community is developing new ways to share with each other. Good news flows from our area’s growing number of community supported agriculture groups, co-ops and farmers’ markets, as well as Harrisburg’s inner city urban agriculture movement courtesy of the Ngozi Eco-Village.

It’s doubly exciting that we have the opportunity to spotlight another inner city initiative in this month’s issue. Local businesses and organizations are collaborating with the City of Harrisburg and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move program to educate school children about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise, all while having lots of fun this summer.

As always, a very special “Thank you,” goes to our expanding community of business partners, advertisers and distribution sites that make it possible for us to bring you this free magazine each month; none of this would be possible without them. Please consider supporting them whenever you shop for needed products and services—that’s how they know that this is the place to be.

Do you know of a local business that isn’t yet distributing Natural Awakenings? Please let us know, so we can connect with them. Your participation and feedback is a big part of what this magazine stands for and we appreciate your involvement.

Happy summering,

Dave Korba, Publisher