A Healthy Perspective by Lynda Earl

The media keeps on telling me that ‘times are tough’, but this
is not an abnormal situation for the human race. It seems we
are often up against some or other external force that creates
limitations to our ‘lifestyle’ and takes us out of our comfort zone.
However, it is when we are out of this zone that we can rediscover
our resourcefulness, intelligence and creativity. It also allows for
a return to simplicity and refocuses attention on the ‘things that
really matter’ to each individual.

For most of us in this bountiful and peaceful land, family and
community matter, and provide support and comfort in hard
times. Part of ‘keeping things simple’ includes investing time
and energy into the local environment, and this is even more
so when faced with a somewhat overwhelming ‘global’ situation.
The average individual is entirely powerless over the greedy and
corrupt regimes which led to our current economic reality,
and while this can lead to frustration and anger, it also creates
opportunity to re-establish strong communities and families.

There are endless media articles on ‘how to survive the recession’
(turn off the lights etc), so these lists won’t be repeated here! If you
never learned how to budget, now is the perfect opportunity, as we
all know necessity is the mother of invention. Just as important
as altering spending habits is the reassessment of thinking habits.
We have spent many years in a buying frenzy, with cheap and easy
access to toys and accessories and bright shiny things, designed for
short-term pleasure and often sold to us on the premise of being
part of a ‘lifestyle’ we are pressured into seeking to provide some
sense of fulfilment.

It is very important to keep the current situation in perspective,
and surrender to the cyclical nature of all systems, natural and manmade.
If we can emerge from a difficult time, whether collectively
from the recession, or as individuals from personal adversity,
with dignity and a sense of having endured and changed, then we
become participants in the creation of a more sustainable future.

Closer to home, remember to buy local, support local
manufacturers and retailers, and share your energy and knowledge
with your community. Our Grey Lynn and Greenlane stores offer
free health advice from fully qualified naturopaths to help you get
yourself and your loved ones through the winter months, and our
other staff are on hand to help you spend your dollars wisely.

Remember to laugh every day, it is the best medicine. I’d like to
end with my favourite (clean) joke… Why did the woman divorce
the grape? She was sick of raisin’ kids.
-Lynda Earl