If you’ve been reading my letters over the past months, you’ll know that I love to travel. So I’m particularly drawn to our article “Healthy Escapes, Unplugged Getaways Rebalance Our Lives.” My most “unplugged” travel experiences were also my most memorable.

One was a camping trip, travelling by horseback through the mountains of Colorado. I was still in my twenties, but already feeling the stress of working a corporate job and commuting in and out of Manhattan. Though only a week long, it seemed that time passed more slowly on that trip; the horses set the pace while we took time to breathe and gaze at the spectacular vistas.

The other was a boat trip down the Orinoco River in Venezuela. Again, having escaped just for a week or two from a hectic job in the city, time seemed to move at a different tempo. This time the river set the pace as we floated slowly by small villages and unspoiled jungle. Although simple, and uncomfortable at times, both trips completely reset my perspective, at least for a while, and were more rejuvenating than any resort vacation could ever be.

Of course, after those trips, I returned to the grind, the commute into Manhattan,  and the dizzying whirl of  traffic and deadlines and noise. I’ve come lately to agree with author Seth Godin, who has another perspective. He says, “Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from.” Publishing this magazine has helped me set up that kind of life. I hope reading it does the same for you.

Our June issue also honors the men in our lives with feature articles about fathering and men’s health. We present a special interview with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who took time to tell Natural Awakenings about his spirituality, creative pursuits, exercise regimen, and approach to a healthy lifestyle. Mayor Booker even shared some of his poetry with us, which you’ll find on pages 18 and 19. His wide-ranging interests and achievements should make him an inspiration to young men throughout the state. 

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there, especially to my own, who I see far too rarely, but love very much.