Welcome all to October 2012, the many wonders of fall in Tampa Bay, and Natural Awakenings.

Those acquainted with the work of environmental activist Rachel Carson will find this month’s Global Briefs section especially interesting. "Eco-Pioneer" reports on the exciting new children’s book, Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. Author Laurie Lawlor and illustrator Laurie Beingessner join forces in presenting a biography of this pioneering environmentalist along with insights on the early days of the "green" movement. So much has happened in terms of Earth-loving consciousness since the 1962 publication of Carson’s Silent Spring.

       Today’s environmental protection movement continues to gather steam, generating cutting edge, thought provoking action throughout the world. I am pleased to bring good news to the Bay Area through the Natural Awakenings super info highway. With each year of publication I have seen this community grow in so many profound and naturally inspired ways.

       In "Shaping the Future We Want," writer and editor Brita Belli reports on the innovative thinking behind the June 2012 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (Rio+20), which marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment & Development in Rio, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Attendees included participants from local, state, national and international spheres working to find holistic solutions for environmental health.

       Here in the Tampa Bay Area, the natural health community continues to shine in its holistic outreach. I was excited to learn of the all-vegetarian bistro, Meze 119, in downtown St. Pete. Inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Middle East, Meze 119’s fresh-produce menu is not only delicious and nutritious, but Earth-conscious as well.

       I also welcome the opening of two inspiring, state-of-the-art health facilities. The new Health Haven Wellness Center, 400 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, offers caring, expert massage therapy, acupuncture, body treatments, yoga, and empowering events and classes. The Five Rings Wellness Center, 5111 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, highlights a balanced approach using Traditional Chinese Medicine Five Elements Theory, and offering a variety of related services and classes in massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation and breath work, healing naturally with foods, and Qigong-Yoga-Tai Chi. Welcome to the Bay Area!

As always, open your mind and read on.