In this issue, we celebrate the power of community and the many ways to foster deeper connections with others. Coincidentally, I know that the warm days and summer evenings of August will find me gathering to share special moments with loved ones and creating memories to last a lifetime. Family, our original “tribe,” plays a crucial role in the foundational sense of belonging, and I’m always at peace surrounded by my kids, husband and our pets. As we eventually join neighbors, friends and the public for education, hobbies, worship, entertainment and more, we all become part of groups beyond our own inner circles: the community at large, our nation and as a member of the human race. 

Our feature article, “The Power of Community: Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection,” explores how this sense of community remains a powerful force for personal and collective well-being. Despite society’s increasing emphasis on individualism, it makes sense that research now proves loneliness can be detrimental to both mental and physical health, even comparable to smoking or obesity in terms of risk factors. You can find this poignant piece on page 14 to learn about the importance of building meaningful relationships and taking practical measures­—such as screening for loneliness and prioritizing social activities like museum visits, classes and nature walks —to enrich bonds with others and lead to better overall life satisfaction.

Another fascinating read this month is “In Search of the Healthiest Diet,” on page 20, which delves into the lifestyle and dietary habits of residents living in the Earth’s “Blue Zones.” These are regions of the world where people live longer than average and maintain good health by staying physically active, eating unprocessed food and enjoying a vibrant social network. Studying these communities has highlighted the importance of consuming nutrient-dense, unprocessed meals for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and contributing to overall well-being and longevity. There are a high number of centenarians in these areas who have happily built their lives around family, enjoying multigenerational households and frequent gatherings. Whether it’s sharing communal meals, holiday parties, game nights or simply hanging out in the living room or back yard, these moments create a safety net of support and help us stay anchored in our heritage.

There are countless ways that Natural Awakenings connects you to our growing healthy living community, and I encourage you to explore the services, products and events offered by our advertisers. No doubt you can find your own tribe at the many expos, retreats and workshops coming up in the region!  All year long, our advertising partners provide myriad opportunities to help you improve the quality of your life, and their support makes this publication possible, so we also appreciate when you let them know Natural Awakenings became your link to finding them. 

Here’s wishing you a wonderful wrap up to a summer that I hope has been full of satisfying experiences, joyful awakenings and meaningful connection with your existing and expanding crew of kindred spirits. 

Enjoy!