In a month when soaring temperatures send most of us in search of refreshing watery relief, Floridians look to the backyard pool or closest beach. As I contemplate this annual summer ritual, I am reminded of my childhood family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland.

My brother and I spent the mornings dangling a smelly piece of raw chicken tied to the end of a line, patiently waiting with net in hand to snatch crabs, crusty critters that swim sideways. We spent afternoons at the beach riding waves and catching rays of sunshine.

Those carefree times happened long before our vocabularies included SPF, sunscreen and anti-aging. As reluctant as I am to admit it, in my adolescent years, my girlfriends and I smeared our skin with Crisco and Johnson’s Baby Oil, sunning ourselves into bronzed goddesses.

Ever since turning 30, though, I’ve been inclined to head for a hammock under a shade tree or a beach chair blessed by an umbrella. I take my daily walk accompanied by the softer glow of the evening sun. For all of us who have indulged in more ultraviolet (UV) rays than we like to admit, this month’s skincare articles will prove helpful.

“Timeless Beauty” by Stacey Colino, on page 36, offers comfort to men and women from the perspective that beautiful skin emanates from the state of our inner being, and our choice of lifestyles can make a difference in how our skin ages. It’s great to know that I can also turn to natural, non-invasive alternatives. I’m excited about the range of age-defying technologies available, which this month’s glossary summarizes in “High-Tech Skincare” (page 39). All of these are offered locally.

In “Wise Words” on page 43, visionary musicians Dean and Dudley Evenson affirm why our day flows better with a dose of meditation and time spent listening to favorite meditative music. My favorite CD embraces the soothing sounds of crystal bowls, wind chimes and dancing waters. This ‘tuning in’ is how I start my day. Because listening relieves my mind of its major assigned tasks of thinking and analyzing, I am able to find a quiet place within.

Krishnamurti advises that true listening is more than hearing; it requires suspending judgment and pre-conceived ideas. I put this philosophy to the test this month when I interviewed Denise Lescano, Alan Arcieri and Bob Riley. As I spoke with them, studied my notes and constructed the story that appears on page 26, I gained increased respect for the special individuals who daily climb a mountain of cultural resistance to help people in emotional pain.

Their stories sent me back to Joseph Campbell’s books about the hero’s journey. They reminded me that, while we are all called to the quest, we must each find our own path. I’m thankful to have found mine in serving the world through Natural Awakenings, and remain grateful to be blessed with such wonderful traveling companions.

Linda Sechrist, Editor