In December, I asked you to support us—to consider a one-time or monthly contribution. Magazines face a difficult business environment these days, and while I am proud and satisfied with our editorial work, our operations consume significant resources to write, edit, print and distribute. 

This letter is Part 2 in our ask for support, and it’s focused on our customers. While it’s likely that you, our readers, see these folks as mere advertisers, I encourage you to think of them differently—as sponsors of the articles and information that you love so much! I don’t interact with readers as much as I’d like, but I do consistently hear from you that you love the topics we write about as well as the quality of our coverage. 

I want you to know that nearly every one of our advertisers—most of whom are small local businesses and often solo practitioners—is very kind, competent and well-meaning. Since this publication is a small business, I’ve met all our sponsors in person or virtually, and I’ve been impressed by the fact that practically all of them are sincerely dedicated to your welfare and satisfaction. 

For those reasons, I strongly encourage you to take a fresh look at those advertisers that offer you something of interest—whether you’re thinking you might buy something or you’re looking out of mere curiosity. You might, in fact, discover a valuable resource that will be useful to you now or later. Because our focus is on holistic health and personal evolution, many of our sponsors can literally save your life or enhance it beyond imagination. 

The one word I frequently use to describe what we try to do for you, our readers, with our content, and what sponsors try to do for you with their offerings, too, is to help you “transform.” We’re not concerned with fleeting pleasures, temporary entertainment or status symbols; we’re about change for the better. And for good. 

Another reason to keep our sponsors top of mind is that buying local benefits our community. In economics, the multiplier effect “is the process by which an initial round of spending generates additional rounds of income and spending, producing a total economic impact larger than the original expenditure.” An analysis by the American Independent Business Alliance found that 48 percent of money spent at local independent businesses recirculates locally compared to less than 14 percent for chain stores. That’s a 343 percent difference! I have nothing against national and global corporations in general, but why send money away when you can enrich your neighbors and community? 

Let me just say this:

Every energy healer that’s worked with me has delivered. Some are more effective than others, but for each one I’ve worked with, I’ve experienced a noticeable, albeit subtle change. 

Every retreat I’ve been on has been meaningful—and some have been truly transformational. Retreat leaders spend significant time crafting and refining activities, sequencing agendas, considering food selections and lording over scores of details that result in deeply satisfied attendees. While finding time away from the everyday grind has always been necessary to accelerate personal growth, these days I think it’s necessary just to remain sane. 

Every non-allopathic practitioner I’ve used has demonstrated true concern and spent significant time with me. The first appointment I had with a functional/integrative practitioner lasted over three hours. TCM and Ayurveda practitioners have always listened to me and answered my questions. 

And more. Massages should be mandatory. Yoga, too. Hypnotherapy broke me of my cookie addiction. While I haven’t used a life or health coach, my spiritual teachers have made all the difference in my life. Avail yourself of those who “know better” and want to help. And finally, LOL, moisturizers are not all the same!