Current Issue

Blessing the Trees with Love: Introducing the Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy
by Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck

The Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy may very well be the first of its kind in all the world … and it all began with the burning question: “What are humans for?” Over the ages, there have been many answers given to that question, expressing a wide variety of cultural and religious contexts and traditions. But in the modern “western” world, our reflections on the place of humanity vis-à-vis the planet (or even the cosmos) has largely been one of domination.

Read the article

Welcome Spring … Rise and Shine!
by Resha Zastrow

It is so amazing to be amongst the beauty that is slowly emerging and coming to life. Seeing and hearing all the birds, insects, nature creatures, trees with new leaves, grass, and flowers starting to bloom. I find it so exciting, that after being outside, I come in the house yelling… “Guess what! The sunflowers have started to grow! I also saw a red winged black bird nest. A bumble bee flew past me and the muskrat in the dugout is out for a swim!”

Join the Campaign to Protect Canada’s Natural Health Products
by Veronica Jean, NHPPA National Campaign Director

Health Canada is implementing a regulatory initiative known as the Self-care Framework (SCF) that poses significant threats to the availability of natural health products (NHPs) in Canada. There are several branches to the SCF which, when taken together, are set to profoundly limit the accessibility of valued natural health products that 70% of Canadians rely on to manage their health and the health of their families.

Read the article

The Endocannabinoid System and Women’s Health
by Dana Clay

Who has heard the term “endocannabinoid system?” Anyone, anyone? Yes, me neither, until I enrolled in the Holistic Cannabis Nurse course through the CIINDE (Canadian Institute of Integrative Nursing Development and Education), providing education about the medicinal benefits of the Cannabis plant. I never heard, nor was taught about the endocannabinoid system in nursing school, or in my 20 years as a nurse.

Pseudo Grains: Exotic and Ancient
by Hélène Tremblay-Boyko

In this part of the world, when we say grain, most of us think of the main commodity cereal crops grown on Saskatchewan farms: wheat, oats, barley. In recent years, however, these cereals have known a bit of a downturn in popularity, with the exception of oats, perhaps. The high carbohydrate/gluten content, the excessive use of pesticides, and commodification of these cereals have moved many to avoid them. I make a small exception for oats, a gluten-free alternative with high fibre content which has known a recent boost in consumption.

Honouring Our Circle
by Jori Cachene and Verna Cachene

The circle, an omnipresent symbol in the natural world, manifests a shape that is both encompassing and eternal. Within its rounded form lie the mysterious forces of the sun and moon, symbolizing the perpetual cycle of day and night. It embodies a contradictory essence, containing everything and yet nothing simultaneously, serving as a profound metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence. Across diverse North American Indigenous cultures, the circle holds significant symbolic weight, guiding contemplation on the majestic intricacies of the four cardinal directions, the eternal ebb and flow of life and death, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. At the heart of this symbolism lies the medicine wheel, a term that encapsulates the fundamental beliefs of Indigenous worldviews. Despite its apparent simplicity, the circle's sophistication unfolds upon deeper introspection, revealing layers of meaning and healing potential.

Have Fun BEing YOU :-)
by Logan LeBlanc

Inner Nature Adventure Camp (INAC) is a fun kids empowerment camp with an emphasis on emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and inner confidence. This is an environment where you can show up and shine as your weird, loud, unique, and silly selves with nature as both teacher and sanctuary. In this camp, you will learn more about your inner nature, the nature around you, and maybe a survival skill, or two. In today's fast-paced world, where children are often bombarded with technology and academic pressures, there is a growing need for educational experiences that not only honour each child's individuality, but also cultivates a deep connection with the natural world.

Editorial
by Melva Armstrong

Here I am, starting “Year 30” of publishing WHOLifE Journal! That means there’s an exciting celebratory year ahead. It’s going to be a joy-filled and adventurous journey. I look forward to sharing it with you. With the winter behind us now, it’s time to break loose outdoors and enjoy the gorgeous sunny spring days, that will eventually flow into summer. The return of the light makes a huge difference in our energy, and our ability to spend more blessed hours bathing in the healing and nurturing powers of Mother Earth. I hope you find time to do a lot of that.

Read the editorial

Plus:

Thai Massage Circus, Laos
The World of Reflexology
Unravelling Your Enneagram Personality Type
News of Note