Welcome to Natural Awakenings! I’m overjoyed to bring Philadelphia the newest link in the chain of expanding consciousness that’s sweeping the country. The free magazine you are holding in your hands or viewing on your screen is a unique publication. Through the combined efforts of our national office in Naples, Florida, and 100 local and international teams, we bring you original national journalism of the highest quality on topics of healthy and sustainable living for our bodies and the environment, often featuring noted authorities and celebrities.

On the local level, you’ll be able to read about nearby nonprofits, practitioners and purveyors of goods and services that align with our mission of promoting the best life and abundance for everyone. Take a look at our table of contents and decide what interests you the most.

Publishing a magazine is truly a dream come true. I am grateful to be on this journey of discovering what life has in store for me as I began a new chapter in life. My goal is to always try to live in the moment with everything I do to appreciate life and all its lessons. As I travel through Philly, meeting new people and seeing the excitement of the community, I want to remember what the true meaning of life is.

You can fill in the blank, but for me it’s love. One thing I think we all have a love for is music, and this month it’s all about the music. Sounds have the capability to do many things; one important thing it can do is heal, and that’s our focus for September.

Remember, the reason we can distribute Natural Awakenings at no charge is the cooperation of our wonderful advertisers that want to tell you all about the things that will make your life better. Please mention that you discovered them here and let me know your thoughts and suggestions via email at [email protected].

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the business-building ideas we have to share by partnering with them. For adverting inquiries, call 215-902-9137 or visit NAPhilly.com, which is where readers can find an expanded edition of our magazine, too. It just won’t all fit between the covers!

I want to thank everyone that played a part in helping to make this dream a reality. Thanks to Sharon Bruckman, founder and visionary, and the entire Natural Awakenings corporate team. I would like to send a special thanks to my family—my husband Chris, my two sons Brian and Canon and my mom Edna. Your love and support means the world.

Feel good, live simply, laugh more,

Kimberly Murray, publisher