August—it’s been hot and muggy; the day-to-day weather is typical for this time of year. Climate, as we know, is more about the longer view, taking into consideration all the daily worldwide additions of harmful pollutants released into the air. It’s the cumulative effect, the exponential effect where we start to see the changes in climate, and for south Florida, that means not only an increase in the number of hurricanes but an increase in intensity. The good news is we have become aware of this and are making changes. It may not seem like it just yet as the rebalancing of climate to a healthy rhythm happens slowly, but so was the build-up of air toxins, ocean pollution, noticing the ozone hole, etc.

As it is with life, just like climate change, it sometimes takes years before true transitions can be felt. It’s what we do each and every day that charts our personal trajectory.

What are we living for? It may be a focus to serve the next generation, or this one. Either way, the process of becoming the best version of ourselves is an approach worth pursuing.

August’s issue is a focus on children and pets. In the day-to-day caring and taking responsibility for either children or pets, endless opportunities arise to make sound choices in supporting their health and wellness while supporting us as well. The daily practice of being in the moment while at the same time holding to the long view is key to shaping the next generation in creating an environment conducive to solving global issues. It’s a collaborative process that’s key in building team and leadership skills.

I appreciated a comment in the article on Agriculture. It’s important to build up the topsoil. Farms in Idaho are beginning to embrace the no-till approach. An equally important issue in agriculture is social justice—the treatment of workers. Human trafficking, known as modern day slavery, is evident in some farm fields. Awareness is step one.

Taking a wholistic view to improve all aspects of wellbeing is the goal. We’re looking for the win-win—the soil wins, the workers win, we all win—with a better quality of life from the healthier food we have available to us. Imagine a world in which all food is grown not only organically but beyond sustainability—regeneratively! Using a model such as this shows the far-reaching advantages to the economy and to the environment.

Our Wise Words column this month is an interview with Aysha Akhtar. She expounds on how humans being kind to animals is a win-win. This connection is being expressed more as the shift has expanded to include the animal agriculture community, too. You may have noticed how more local restaurants and fast food locations are offering plant-based entrees.

The media is a profound influencer. The subtle messages we see in film, television and print are cumulative. The good news is that there is a plethora of choices in reading, listening and viewing material. Choose a variety of sources and research anything you want to better understand.

The article we’ve included for our readers on music this month is a good read, too. As a universal language, music can soothe our soul and help to heal us through vibrations that reach into our bones in a unique way. According to the article, research has even documented a reduction in inflammation for groups taking part in drum circles. Now just think about that!

Time to take our first daily step forward.

Take another step for mankind; plan on it.

Susie Q Wood

Publishing Editor