South Central Pennsylvania knows agriculture and continues to show its passion for local, organic and sustainable farming practices. This was evident as the 2012 Farm Aid concert, including weekend festivities and educational efforts, were hosted at Hersheypark Stadium on September 22.

Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) Executive Director Brian Snyder said after the concert, “There’s no question that farming has changed dramatically in the last five years. A big reason for that is Farm Aid. As farming has evolved, so has Farm Aid. It’s now focused on the new breed of farmers, who are showing that sustainable agriculture is no fad. The future of the planet depends on it.”

I was part of the crowd and appreciated the efforts of local farmers and educators sharing their message. Along with me in the photo are Lois Schultz, Kendra Campbell and Jacqueline Mast, co-publishers of the Lancaster/Berks Natural Awakenings, along with Ed Kugler from our Chicago, IL magazine.

Turning personal passion into a soulful life is the theme for this issue. Lisa Marshall’s feature article, “Fashion a Passion-Driven Life,” is a must-read for many of us.

During my high school senior guidance counseling session, I was told, “You should be an accountant. They need accountants.” I lasted a semester as an accounting major, switched to business and built a career in marketing, ignoring the signs of my affinity for psychology, sociology, philosophy and writing. It wasn’t until decades later I realized that while my career had served me well in the practical sense of making a living, I was starving inside.

I’ve been lucky enough to find a vehicle with Natural Awakenings that allows me to engage my passions and connect with like-minded individuals that share the common goals of educating, healing, nurturing and bringing individuals and communities together toward creating a happier and healthier world.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the continued unfolding of my deepest passions and for all the blessings I receive through interacting with a caring and passionate community. I love author Melody Beattie’s observation, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

With heartfelt gratitude and wishes for a joyous holiday season, I remind you… Feel good. Live simply. Laugh more.

Dave Korba, Publisher