“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
~ Emily Dickinson

I was so inspired by the cover image this month. In most mythologies and folklores, the feather is associated with the purity of the heart and soul. It can also signify travel in the physical as well as the spiritual sense, and be a symbol of hope.

When I think of February, I think of all of the things humankind can focus on, with purity of heart and soul. It’s a short month, but we fit so much into it. Many families have Winter break, it’s Black History Month, plus Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day. There is so much to think about and reflect upon, both historically and in the present time.

This is also a month that Natural Awakenings of Fairfield County and Housatonic Valley has typically done its Natural Living Directory, but this issue felt different. For the past 10-plus years, we have published the directory in January or February, as a way to start off the new year with this helpful resource. This year, it didn’t feel like the right time.

Once again creating the new normal as the world ebbs and flows, the focus this month just made sense. This issue is focused on the heart in a multitude of ways. From heart health, to ways of the heart, to opening your heart, to loving yourself or someone else—there is something for everyone that we hope inspires you and guides you through the month. 

So, while we’ve all become very used to creating an ever-evolving “new normal” this last year, we’re doing the same. We will be publishing the local 2021 Natural Living Directory in the May edition. This will also give us more time and energy to reach local businesses who have been continually evolving throughout the pandemic. We hope this new normal will be something to look forward to—a bright spot. The directory issue will provide all of the same opportunities to learn about a new practitioner or service, and hopefully try something new. With community support, this resource will be just as great as it always has been, and hopefully serve as a reminder to focus on our health and wellness always--not just in the beginning of the year.

I hope you enjoy the heart-centered issue and take a minute to set intentions for how you will show love to yourself and those around you in February and beyond.

All the best,