As I wove together this New Year edition, I was reminded that it marks my 32nd year of publishing Natural Awakenings. Reaching this milestone feels like a mini awakening in itself, taking me back to our early beginnings and the many insights along the journey that have shaped our path.

I still remember how challenging it was to choose a name. But when we      combined Natural and Awakenings, it clicked instantly. It perfectly captured our mission: to provide our community with tools and resources to awaken to their full potential.

Back in 1994, the word awakening wasn’t widely used. Today, it appears everywhere—sometimes spoken aloud, sometimes quietly felt beneath the surface of everyday life. For many of us, it signals a growing awareness that something is shifting, both within and around us.

This awakening isn’t tidy or dramatic. It often begins with discomfort—questions we can’t ignore, moments when we realize we’ve been on autopilot. People are pausing, reassessing, and listening more closely to their inner compass.

At the same time, sensitivity is heightened. We feel the weight of injustice, suffering, the state of our planet, and the quality of our relationships more acutely. We crave authenticity and depth, seeking what is real over what is hollow.

What strikes me most is that this isn’t happening in isolation. Global disruptions have created a shared moment of reflection, reminding us that personal awakening and collective change are deeply connected.

Our collective awakening is also reflected in the growing popularity of healing modalities rooted in energy and frequency. Editor Linda Sechrist has curated an outstanding special feature, “The Future of Medicine: Energy and Frequency Medicine.” She traces its evolution from a once-skeptical fringe of academic thought to an increasingly accepted field influencing mainstream and anti-aging care. The article also highlights key branches of these therapies and long-standing practitioners in Collier and Lee Counties. (See article, page 18.)

We are fortunate in Southwest Florida to have abundant sources for high-frequency foods from local organic farmers and purveyors. With the help of Medea Galligan, chapter leader of our active local Weston A. Price Foundation group, we’ve compiled a handy list of organic farms, food buying clubs, and co-ops for easy reference. Even better, join us January 18 for the WAPF Community Potluck and Meeting, focusing this month on gardening in our Southwest Florida soil and climate. (See article, page 32, and Calendar, page 40.)

Looking ahead to 2026, many forecasts suggest this year brings new energies that encourage inner growth, clarity, and purpose. At Natural Awakenings, our goal remains the same: to provide inspiration, tools, and resources to support you on your journey.

Here’s to a vibrant, awakened year ahead. Happy New Year, 

Sharon Bruckman