I have a new friend named Bear. He came into my life  at a time when I especially needed a friend.

    After my youngest daughter had her baby in October I realized I missed having someone to nurture. I knew I wanted a Labrador, but figured it would take a while to find the right one. The first day I looked in the classifieds, the first ad I looked at, was for Bear. He had been abandoned and was bone skinny. His nails were so long he looked like he was walking on tiptoes. I knew he was the one.

     We were both leery at first. I'm somewhat a loner by nature so it was an adjustment. And Bear needed time to learn to trust. I decided to put my mothering instincts to work and started cooking homemade meals for Bear. He loved them, I loved having someone to cook for, and he put on weight quickly.

     Now, a few months later, I can't imagine life without Bear. As I work at my desk, he snores serenely by my feet. Riding in the car, I've noticed other drivers chuckling as he licks my ear from the backseat (small car, big dog). When I rub his belly and he grunts with unadulterated pleasure, I know I am blessed to have him in my life. Our relationship isn't complicated like human relationships can be; he loves me as much as I love him.

     Pets are like that. And there are so many benefits to having one: reduced stress, a reason to exercise, improved mood, decreased blood pressure and unconditional love. This issue has articles not only on pets and their benefits, but on the entire animal world. There are articles by two veterinarians, an article on alternative healing methods for pets and an article on finding your totem animal. Enjoy! I think I'll go take Bear for a walk.

P.S. In March we celebrate the Evolving one-year anniversary. It has been a glorious year and I am awed by the support and enthusiasm of the community. Please join us for a celebration on March 28 at Unity Temple on the Plaza (Meyer Hall) from 2-4 p.m. Come meet our writers, advertisers and Evolving staff. We can't wait to see you!

     Complementary and alternative medicine provide options; a way to go back to the original source of healing, the path that was traveled before the invention of scientific medicine. Although termed "alternative" now, these sometimes-considered-hoodoo methods were established and practiced from the earliest of recorded history.

     The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into five major groups including whole medical systems, mind-body medicine, biologically-based practice, manipulative and body-based practices and energy medicine (see sidebar for list). The most common usages of CAM are consumption of non-vitamin, non-mineral natural products. Use of several therapies, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy and yoga has widely increased in the last few decades.

     Those using CAM are varied, but according to NCCAM, use of CAM is highest among women and those with higher levels of income and education. In the United States, approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and approximately 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) are using some form of CAM.

     Local practitioners tell me that more frequently, physicians of patients with chronic issues are referring them to alternative practitioners. Many times CAM are used in conjunction with mainstream medicine to enhance healing. The articles and advertisers in this issue share information about some of the healing methods available in our area.

      Months ago, as we planned the articles for this issue on holistic business, I wondered what exactly IS a holistic business? Alternative medicine is what comes to mind when I think of the word holistic. But holistic business   isn’t just for medical practitioners, it’s a model for being.

     Foremost in this model is the desire to do no harm. And, as in life, it constitutes a balance of principles and values. Choosing to own and operate a holistic business entails setting a rigorous code of ethics that benefits all—and adhering to them. A holistic (wholistic) business model looks at the whole picture versus narrowly focused parts. It presents the opportunity to showcase our talents and once and for all prove that we can do what we love, make a difference in the world/community, and generate a healthy living in the process.     

     The advertisers in Evolving practice holistic business principles, manifesting a better life for themselves as well as their customers. I hope you enjoy the articles this month as well as our special section on another key group: Women in Business.         

The articles in Evolving this month focus on creating tradition. I believe traditions, like life, are cyclical. With the passage of generations and transition of time, traditions change. And sometimes they’re abandoned, forgetting the warmth, comfort and familiarity that comes from established tradition.

When I was a child, traditions were relished rituals in which I participated. I remember as a child going “hunting” on Christmas day with my dad, uncle and cousins. I was the only girl—and was very proud. When I was older there was sledding at the park and Volksmarches with Grandpa. Sister Mary, then in the military, would create custom cadences for us to chant. 

Then when I established my own family I started new traditions as well as incorporated cherished ones from my and the children’s father’s past. Then the kids grew up and moved out. Somewhere along the years I forgot to start new traditions. New ones that invite elders, grown children as well as grandchildren into the circle of love. So now I have the opportunity to remember favorite rituals of youth as well as create new ones, based on current needs and values.

The articles this month offer an array of advice on the importance of ritual as well as ways to remember past traditions and incorporate new. There are suggestions for possible traditions, including some for pets! And there’s also an article on finding a way to celebrate even during periods of grief. I hope you enjoy the delightful selections this month. May you find peace in ritual and your holidays be blessed.

 

Abundance, the theme this month, is so deeply connected to the emotion of gratitude. There is a wonderful cycle to success: abundance creates gratitude, and gratitude creates abundance.

When I look at my life I see the beauty, love and joy that surrounds me. And for this I am eternally grateful. For myself, reflecting on gratitude is especially prevalent this time of year. With the addition of a new grandson in October, I am reminded more than ever of the abundance of love and opportunity that surrounds me.

And, as always, I am overwhelmingly joyed by the help I receive with this magazine, the advertisers who support it and the readers who thrill me with their feedback.

This special issue contains a Holiday Gift Guide on page 10 that highlights unique, non-traditional and inspirational gift ideas. I hope you’ll take some time to peruse these interesting gift options for your holiday shopping. Or, gift yourself with a treat during the sometimes hectic holiday season. And hopefully, feel the gratitude which reaps abundance in all aspects of your life.