"reflection and inner wisdom...the hidden gifts of winter."

I'm clothed in fleece on this cold, winter day, appreciating the remaining red and gold leaves soon to reveal stark, gray branches after the coming frost.  There is a quietness which is so calming but which also excites me, as I look forward to this season of creativity and reflection.  I have listened to many complain about the dropping temperatures and shorter days while I have secretly smiled at the opportunity to ignite the wood stove, compose a piano song, and read a good book, sitting in my recliner with a hot cup of tea.  And because of the stillness of this day I can now write this Editor's Page for you.

I cherish this season of reflection and inner wisdom, as they are the hidden gifts of winter.  This issue focuses on those gifts and the times we feel like we have entered the winters of our lives.  Our featured author, Christiane Northrup, M.D., expounds on the healing that happens when you go inward and pay attention to your emotional and spiritual health and how it is tied so closely to your physical health.  She openly shares the lessons she learned through various struggles from breast-feeding to a painful divorce.  Her body was speaking to her about her emotional and spiritual health, and it is through these lessons that she was inspired to write her books, imparting to all of us ways to discover lessons from our own wonderful, inner wisdom.  Christiane has carefully balanced western and eastern medical philosophies, creating a truly holistic and comprehensive approach to health and healing. 

Ten years ago I personally struggled with a fibroid tumor which prompted me to look at the stresses in my life and make a major life change.  That decision led me to creating this webzine five years ago.  It was only several years ago that I read Christiane Northrup's first book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, when I realized that I intuitively listened to what she refers to as "feminine intelligence", and because of her book I no longer question the power of this inner wisdom.  I am grateful that my path has led me to this opportunity to share Northrup's work with so many readers.

We are featuring several other wonderful stories, poems, articles and recipes in this issue.  Thank you to all of the contributors who made this issue possible. The excerpt from Life of Pi is just a snippet of Yann Martel's delightful book which is a perfect adventure story to cuddle up with on a winter day.  Wayne Muller reminds us to be compassionate and merciful to ourselves in order for us to be more available for others.  Kate Reavey squeezes in time to practice yoga and appreciate the beauty of a foggy day.  She reminds us to embrace a winter moment and breathe and meditate, even if only for a second. Maria Yraceburu opens our minds and hearts to her Quero Apache Tlish Dyan tradition.  We are thankful for her introduction to the Nature healing of her people.  Dr. Asoka Selvarajah asks us, "Are there lessons animals can teach us?"  Dr. Asoka will state his case in his thought-provoking article.  Patrick Loafman once again takes us for a walk through beautiful natural landscape and the flight of the mythological Icarus.  Marion Baker and Carole Lynne share personal stories about lessons learned from everyday living.  Denise Shaw Coryea and her children call in the Angels through a fun-loving family exercise.  Our favorite Eleanora Scarpetta makes us smile with her food recipes and tips.  Pattiann Rogers gives us another brain exercise with her imagery and uncommon vocabulary.  Deepak Chopra introduces us to a way to contact God.  Amazing what that guy can do!  Our 9-11 tribute page continues to receive posts from all over the world.  Lastly, I want to thank a new volunteer editor, Peggy de Broux, for her proofreading.   This webzine is an entirely volunteer effort, and we appreciate all the contributions we receive.

So, enjoy this winter season snuggled up inside being creative and introspective.  Or, for those of you that love the SNOW and are getting fired up by Warren Miller's Storm, get outside and ski, snowboard, snowshoe and make lots of snow angels!  And, for many who are celebrating various holidays we wish you many blessings.  However you are spending this season, we wish you happiness, peace and joy.

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Please remember to help those less fortunate than yourself.

With the holidays and cold weather coming, this season can be especially difficult emotionally and physically. If you're happy and healthy, help someone less fortunate than yourself.  If you're feeling depressed yet you're physically healthy, avoid self-pity parties and try to help yourself. Help someone else by volunteering at a soup kitchen, senior center, hospital or local church.  You'll feel better lending a helpful hand.  And, for all those experiencing serious physical and emotional illnesses, we send you many prayers and positive energy and ask our readers to do the same.

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Thank you for visiting our webzine. I invite you to enjoy these stories and the people that were courageous enough to share them with us.  My wish is that these stories will inspire and speak to your soul and that you find inspiration in the everyday miracles of your lives.

Namaste. 

Peace and Happy Holidays, 
Amelia Andaleon
Chief Editor, SpirituallyFit.com

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We enjoy hearing from you and reading your stories. If you have submitted your stories, we will notify you if your story has been selected. We have received stories which will be used in future issues, so don't lose heart if your story has not yet been published. Use our submission form and keep us all inspired by your stories! Email us with your comments or send us suggestions.  

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SpirituallyFit.com Staff