Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011587
from the editor contributors It's that time of year again when the days get just a bit shorter, the weather (hopefully!) just a bit cooler. Au- tumn is on the way and grumbly kids head back into the classrooms. Remember those first days of class? Were you excited? Or dreading it? This issue we asked a few of our talented writers to answer the question as they may have done way back in elemen- tary school: "What did you do on your Summer vacation and what did you learn in the lazy, hazy, hot months?" Brian Hyman (Pg. 17) This summer, I began the process of teaching my 3-year- old daughter how to swim. I also spent many afternoons gardening – specifi cally, I learned about succulents and I became infatuated with all the varieties. I must have potted over 100 small arrangements! I also taught my regular yoga schedule and led a few meditation workshops in the Conejo Valley area. Last, I read a great book – My Master's Robe by Thich Nhat Hanh. On my summer vacation, while researching my book Easy Portland Outdoors, I developed a relationship with the Willamette River which runs through downtown Portland. A shipping route with a less-than-spotless hygiene history, it's a river that doesn't get enough love from residents. Now that I've experienced it kayaking, paddle boarding, doing SUP yoga, inner tubing, and swimming across it, I appreciate it in a whole new way. Teresa Bergen (Pg. 20) Memorial Weekend marked my third year attend- ing the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, combin- ing indie fi lm nirvana with soaks in steaming mountain-view hot springs. I'm about to take an August trip to Great Basin National Park and Antelope Canyon — two wonderful Western sites I've never seen; my summer will end with a short visit to Rocky Point, Mexico. In between: beach Sundays, playing in the waves with my grandson. Oh! And a dear friend's homemade water- melon ice cream. Genie Davis (Pg. 15) I spent my Summer vacations wearing Speedos. In Austra- lia, this skimpy excuse for swimwear was what guys wore. After a forgettable "holiday" in a rented caravan one summer, my parents chose creature comforts over the coast. Coming from Europe, mum and dad were used to hotels, not cold showers and ants. As a baby, I was likely traumatized by being an unwitting nudist bather on a pebbly beach. I learned to stay cool at the pool. Gordon Durich (Pg. 23 ) 6 wholelifetimes.com Greetings Dearest Readers! How's your Summer? Relaxed, blessed, and enjoyable I hope! As the daylight grows shorter and we head toward the Autumnal Equinox, it's a good time for refl ection. Perhaps refl ection, deep contemplation, is what the person on our cover this month is doing during the beautiful Malibu sun- set. We are honored this issue to have multi-award-winning artist and photographer Endre Balogh's work grace our cover. Endre has been awarded the prestigious title of Master Photographer as well as Diamond Photographer in international print competi- tions. He's one of only 35 photographers in the world to have that honor. We are thrilled to bring you his work. For more stunning visuals, visit EndresArt.com. Did you do anything special on your Summer vacation? Write to us and let us know. One of our readers went to Ireland. The photo below…. Where are you picking up your WLT? Health food stores? Whole Foods? Healthcare practitioners? Local coffee shops? Libraries? Email us with a photo of you reading WLT and maybe we'll print it. And, I'll give you a prize. gina@wholelifemagazine.com. We value your precious time and greatly appreciate your read- ing WLT and supporting our advertisers. Let them know you saw them in WLT! And let us know what you'd like to read and learn more about this season. Before we head into Autumn, we still have precious Summer moments left with plenty of happenings in LA, such as the 5D Consciousness Symposium event mid-August. If you want to leave town, consider heading out to Joshua Tree for the 10th annual Bhakti Fest in mid-Sept. It's a wonderful yoga and music event fi lled with speakers, workshops, classes, and more. And, Deepak will be there! If you prefer to stay in town, consider attending the powerful and profound Kalachakra Empowerment (given only a few pre- cious times by the Dalai Lama). Join realized Tibetan Master Khentrul Rinpoche Jamphel Lodro for this very special event. It's in Sept in San Pedro and all are welcome. Happy end of Summer and Autumn Equinox. May we all stay in balance during these interesting times.… With Love ~ Reader Finbarr Ross at sacred site in Glendalough, Ireland. Photo: Sunny Chayes