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contributors With the 47th annual Earth Day upon us on April 22, we asked a few of our contributors this question — Do you have any special memories from Earth Day in years past? And, how do you plan to commemorate the day this year? Earth Day has been special to me for many years as it's an opportunity to talk about the bees and our earth. I have witnessed us raise our consciousness as a com- munity when it comes to food and big agriculture. This year, I am talking with author Daniel Pinchbeck about sitting on a panel to discuss human health and the ecological crisis we have found ourselves in. Maryam Henein (Pg. 10) Earth Day is terrific to heal the position of what you stand for. Focus on the value of what the Earth force gives to you in each moment. The Earth provides the force to support by cre- ating a stable ground for interaction and change. It enables the rooting of our own forces and the ability to make stable contact. Without the solid force of the Earth, we lack the structure and stability to take grounded actions. Pay attention to the force you are giving to the Earth with each step you take and what you are receiving back. Feel the forces of the Earth comfort, still, and heal you. Sifu Matthew (Pg. 16 ) I'm lucky to have a mother who loves nature and made every day Earth Day for her kids. One vivid early memory is of me standing in front of a bulldozer with my childhood friend, Joel, another long-haired, hippie preschooler, trying to prevent devel- opment at the edges of what became the Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension in San Diego County. My mom and other neighbors led the successful fight to protect this canyon of bonsai-like Torrey pines, red-earth cliffs, and flowering sage. This year, my husband and I plan to take our preschooler, Parker, to the Hi-Desert Nature Museum in Yucca Valley to enjoy Earth Day food, kids' games, face painting, live music, native plants, and a recycled art exhibit. Katie Sandberg, M.Ed. (Pg. 30) When I was in high school in the early 1970s, I was active in the Conservation Club of John Muir High School. Earth Day for us was an electric time, a time of aware- ness where we had classes and short seminars on how to live better with less, how to consume less, how to grow food, and how to identify wild edible plants. We practiced recycling, and bicycling, and our small minority were like prophets and seers in a world awash in materialism. It was a great time, and it formed my character, and the characters of many of my compadres. Forty-seven years later there are far more people on the globe, and far greater levels of consumption. A lot has improved, and a lot has gotten worse. But I continue to have hope in my fellow man, that we will realize, and choose, the path of sustainability, and frugality, and joy! Christopher Nyerges (Pg. 28) Hello Dear Readers! I t's Spring! Finally! The most blessed rains appear to be com- ing to an end and LA is blooming as we've not seen in ages. With years of record-breaking drought, we are finally getting the lush green color back in the city and surrounding areas. And what a perfect time to celebrate the 47th Annual Earth Day! Festivities abound throughout the city, and a gathering downtown commemorates it. Also commencing on the same day is the na- tional March for Science. In perfect alignment with Earth Day, the mission is to get people together, talk about climate change, and determine what we CAN do — especially in light of the adminis- tration's recent proposed cutbacks. Are you going to celebrate Earth Day or the March? Please let us know how you intend to spend the day. Write to us here at the magazine (gina@wholelifemagazine.com) or on our Facebook page or via Twitter and we'll share stories. And please let us know how you are enjoying this publication. What do you want to see more of? This is YOUR holistic magazine and we welcome your thoughts and suggestions. I hope you have had a fabulous couple of months. I had the privilege of attending the annual Mount Saint Mary's University's presentation of the Report on Women and Girls in California at the Skirball last month. With nearly 1,000 present, discussion ranged from healthcare to homelessness and how we can all do our part, starting with awareness. I've also attended and shared the magazine at various women's events, expos, conferences, and more, and I'm honored to meet so many dear readers in person! And we here at Whole Life Times are getting really excited for the upcoming Contact in the Des- ert — one of the most popular and largest gatherings in the field of space and science, the mysterious and magical. Experts in the genre of Ufology grace the stages and noted radio hosts George Noory and Jimmy Church help to facilitate the day. WLT is one of the media sponsors, so pls consider trekking out to the stunningly beautiful Joshua Tree area in mid-May to catch all the excitement. (You never know what you may see! During last year's festival, a large group of people indeed spotted an "unidentified" object in the night sky. Many "objects," in fact. Some saw them while wear- ing night vision goggles, others with the naked eye!) And speaking of the desert, check out our Travel Feature this month which focuses on the glory of the Morongo Basin and the high desert, just a couple of quick hours' drive from the sea. Looking for a vacation where you can also make a difference? Various volunteer activities are listed and rangers welcome the helping hands. If you are looking for fun activities right here in LA, there's always plenty to do. From book signings and author events to food fes- tivities and dinners with top chefs, our magnificent city offers it all! Or maybe you'd like to celebrate yoga and kirtan music? Shak- ti Fest will be held in mid-May back out in Joshua Tree or stay local to attend Yogananda Fest right here in town at the end of April. How about adopting a GOAT? Palos Verdes is offering a unique opportunity to spend the day with these furry friends as they play a significant and important role in habitat restoration along the coast. And, as always, we ask that you please consider visiting our trea- sured advertisers. We are all in this holistic community together, so let's please support one another! Enjoy the longer hours of LIGHT! ~ from the editor 6 wholelifetimes.com