Labor Day and Back-to-School are just around the corner, but don’t forget that there’s still plenty of time to enjoy summer with friends and family. Make the most of August by planning a day at the beach, picnic in the park, camping trip, or just abackyard get-together. No need to get fancy.

 If you watch children enjoying the summer, you’ll remember that just being outside is enough to fascinate.  As Clint Kelly mentions in our Inspiration column, children use all five senses to experience life. Grown-ups do that less often. Take the opportunity now to experience the outdoors in a more childlike way: Listen to a bullfrog, watch the fireflies, smell the freshly mown grass, swirl some ice cream on your tongue, and feel that sand between your toes.

 Since our theme for August is Healthy Family, I want to extend my gratitude to the virtual family that helps me bringNatural Awakenings to you every month: Cindy Carlone, who doesn’t let a misplaced comma, em dash, or buried lead get past her;Lori and Bill, who get more than 17,000 magazines to their intended destinations on time;and, this month, special thanks go to our ad design and layout whiz, Kim DeReiter. For the second year in a row (!)she was able to give birth around the Natural Awakenings’ publishing schedule without missing a deadline.  I’m very grateful to have a team I can rely on so completely. 

 I also want to thank our extended Natural Awakenings family – the people and companies that support us with their advertising and editorial contributions. This month, contributions includehealth briefs by Melissa Gagne of Denville Medical and Yana Kofmanof Pediatric Therapy &Yoga of Morris, afeature article on “Parenting with the Tools of Yoga” by Kathryn Livingston of Aquarian Yoga Center in Montclair, and a discussion on “The Ancient Art and Science of Pranic Healing” by the folks at PranicHealing USA.  Without the participation of the community, Natural Awakenings wouldn’t have its unique spirit andrelevance to ourreaders.