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Natural Awakenings e-zine is now available in your inbox For your free e-subscription to the Columbia Edition, visit HealthyLivingColumbia.com, to the Grand Strand Edition, visit GrandStrandHealthyLiving.com. Choose your planet-friendly version: • In print on recycled paper with soy-based ink • E-zine on your computer letterfromeditor In this economic climate, we hear of businesses and consumers re-evaluating how and where to spend their “hard earned cash.” One might expect to hear that the cheapest price always wins out. While price may be an important determining factor in where to spend your money, it is not the only one. I recently received an email exemplifying this point. Consumers and businesses alike are beginning to concern themselves with concepts like community and sustainability. The old energy idea of maximizing profits at the expense of people and the planet is being recognized as short-sighted and self-destructive. Who would have thought in the late ‘80s when manufacturing was exploding in China and leaving the US that the demands for cheaper and cheaper production costs would lead to inadvertent poisoning? Are our lives, those of our children and pets really worth “roll backs,” price cuts and price guarantees? The email I received was a copy of a letter sent to the Atlanta Natural Awakenings. In this letter, Dr. Ric, an Atlanta advertiser, shares his serendipitous moment of finding Natural Awakenings and recognizing that he and it have a common mission. The letter also describes a new community and business model called the Joyful Being Community. The standard business model has always been based on the one-win scenario where the business is the winner. Businesses exist for one reason: to make the most profit possible, and often, there are no other concerns. Over the last decade, this model has been slowly changing to a win-win scenario, which includes the consumer in the winnings. The Joyful Being business model goes even further; it looks beyond the seller and the purchaser to include the local community, the global community and the planet as winners. Ric calls this the “win-win-win-winwin model.” Imagine shopping with confidence, knowing that the food, clothes and sundries you purchase contribute not only to your health and well-being, but also to that of your community and the planet. Phrases like “fair trade,” “eco-friendly” and “sustainability” would be more than just popular buzz words; they would be the new standard. Of course, changes like adopting a new business model do not happen overnight. It is a gradual process involving both consumers and businesses. The first step is education. Informed shoppers will read labels and make purchases based on where a product comes from; how sustainable it is; and whether it is toxin-free and safe for home, children and pets. Also, where does the money from this purchase go? Am I supporting my neighbor or a faceless corporation thousands of miles away? And finally, is it a good value? Informed business owners will see the wisdom and longevity of stocking fair trade, green and organic items. Sellers will realize that there is more to business than profit, that bottom-line sustainability is directly linked to community and Earth sustainability. This month’s focus for Natural Awakenings in on personal growth. There are articles to help your mind, your body, your pets and even your teenagers. There is also an article on the true cost of jewelry, an eye-opening piece about “a girl’s best friend.” I close with a challenge this month: Think about how you spend your money—watch where is goes and what it supports. Is it doing what you want? If not, shop somewhere else or buy a different brand. You have the power to change the world with each purchase you make. Namaste, Anton 4 Columbia
contact us Publisher Keith Waller Managing Editor Anton Knoll Assistant Editors Sara Gurgen Jonea Gene Boysen Sharon Bruckman Design & Production Anton Knoll Suzzanne Fil Joseph Jones Advertising Sales Celeste Perez To contact Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition: 404 64th Ave. N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 Phone: (803) 233-3693 Fax: (803) 753-8096 ColaPublisher@naturalawakeningsmag.com www.HealthyLivingColumbia.com © 2009 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $18 (for 12 issues). Please call (803) 233-3693 with credit card information or mail a check made out to Natural Awakenings, Columbia Edition to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink. newsbriefs AMSA Yoga Introduces Laura Rooney, Instructor Laura Rooney, MS, E-RYT, ACE, AFAA and YogaFit Master Trainer, joins AMSA Yoga, teaching the level 1 Vinyasa class on Wednesdays at 7:15 am. Laura’s impressive “alphabet soup” of professional and academic certifications make her a five-stargeneral of the fitness world, where she stands side by side with the who’s who of fitness professionals at national conferences. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, masters in accountancy, and in exercise and wellness completed, she is now working on her PhD at USC in health promotion, education and behavior. Laura studied yoga for eight years and has been teaching yoga for almost six years. She now brings her broad wellness experience, confidence and knowledge to AMSA Yoga and her yoga class. For more info, call Kimberly Puryear at (803) 695-0031 or visit AMSAyoga.com. AMSA Yoga is located at 140 Pelham Drive. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts In Nearby Kingstree “R ecognizing the sacredness of Earth and the fragility of its eco-systems, we commit ourselves to the healing of our planet and we encourage others to have a deeper understanding of the inter-connectedness and vulnerability of Earth and all life forms,” states the mission of Springbank, the 80-acre plantation retreat in Kingstree. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts offers a full spring schedule of opportunities for personal growth and renewal, including the “Music and Spirit in Action” workshop where powerful music and the healing arts are pivotal in the healing of mind, body, emotions and spirit; the contemplative and prayerful art of basket-making with “Basketry: Weaving Balance and Beauty;” and a “12-Step Retreat for Men and Women” that will explore Na- Have some news to share? Send it to: ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com February 2009 5
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