Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. ~Desiderata
 

The Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann, is one of my favorite passages. It keeps me grounded when my life seems to be moving too fast. It reminds me that life’s simplest pleasures are usually the most meaningful and fulfilling.

My memorable childhood summer pleasures were baseball, swimming pools and cookouts. As I reflect back and see my young self rounding the bases in the schoolyard, not only does it seem like yesterday, I also recall vividly the sense I had that ‘time’ was infinite... that I would forever be young. I tell myself I’m still young in spirit, mind and heart as I peer in the mirror and face what now seems to be the accelerating passage of time and a faster-paced world.

A decade ago, I spent several busy summers coordinating and hosting annual hiking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking and rafting trips for friends, always on the go and spending as much time as possible in nature on the Appalachian Trail and our majestic regional rivers.

These days I keep life even simpler, with uncomplicated fresh, organic foods, long walks and time with family and friends, and even time to just sit on my porch doing nothing. I invite you to slow down a bit this summer and indulge in your own simple pleasures, whatever they may be. You can draw inspiration from our feature article.

If your ideal vacation is one spent traveling with a group of people to an exotic location, eating delicious, healthy food and nourishing your body and soul, then consider the Healing Waters Holistic Cruise being provided through Scott Travel. Also, Natural Awakenings is now promoting our own trips-of-a-lifetime. The first scheduled adventures are visits to China and Peru. Read more about these trips and consider clearing your calendar to join us. Our intent is to bring you conscious travel and retreat opportunities on a regular basis.

Even though traveling is fun, you don’t have to travel far to find healthy and soulful support, as it is abundant throughout South-Central PA. Watch for information in the coming months about the Spirit of Oneness – A Wellness Event, being held on October 13.

Stay cool this summer. Be sure to support your local growers and farmers markets.

Happy Independence Day and as always, feel good, live simply, laugh more.

Dave Korba, Publisher