Hooray for spring and another tropical summer on the horizon! It’s May, and in harmony with the annual custom of recognizing mothers and motherly-others (Mother’s Day, May 13), Natural Awakenings has a particular emphasis on women’s health this month. The scope of issues key to the feminine perspective is enormous. Respect for and recognition of women’s contributions fuel hope for our future.

In this month’s Wise Words department (page 30), writer April Thompson reports natural health insights from actress and award-winning film producer Kelly Noonan-Gores. It’s an illuminating look at how to optimize human wellbeing through the powers of mind, body and spirit. Noonan-Gores explains that her perspective, honed through decades of professional and personal growth, has accelerated considerably with the recent production of her documentary HEAL. The film is an extraordinary exposition of healing approaches from an impressive lineup of scientists, visionaries and healers, including Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lipton and Marianne Williamson, and highlights insight gained from patient experience. 

I’m primarily a fan of the canines in the world, especially my precious Schipperke, Lexi. Still, in “Five Reasons to Love a Cat” (page 48), writer Sandra Murphy makes a convincing case for the felines amongst us. As any pet owner knows, pets tend to boost essential health and happiness. Backing up her case for cats, Murphy cites expert opinion from life sciences research and journals and even includes a sound argument from Sigmund Freud. 

As always, with an open mind and an open heart, read on.