From the Editors

Well, here we are. The 103rd issue of Creations’ fruitful 19 year history– but number one for us as new publishers. And oh, how appropriate it is that our first foray into magazine publishing is the Back to School issue. Starting out, we were just like children entering that very first day of school, eager but apprehensive. We had no way of fully knowing what was involved until we actually witnessed the process first-hand. So, in early June, Andrea and I visited Vijay and Connie down in Black Mountain, NC, to "observe" the production. It was a 3-day weekend intensive in magazine publishing. I can’t say it was fun. Sure it was great to meet the North Carolina tribe– Lainie, Andy and Ginger along with Vijay and Connie. But we really had no clue as to what we were getting ourselves into.

We went into this business with visions of writing, editing and advertising, but for weeks we only saw "Quark," "pdf’s," corrupted fonts (who knew good fonts could turn bad?!), endless system failures and a parade of computer techs coming through our door. For us, the technologically challenged, it became a nightmare. We were with those machines 16 hours a day. This business had completely taken over our lives. Pushed to our limits, physically and mentally, we wanted to quit.

In our yoga practice, we talk about going to our "edge"– mindfully pushing to our boundaries so as to move more deeply into a posture. At our edge, our "safe places" are challenged. Sometimes, personally and professionally, we can become stuck in our comfort zones. We may require that extra push from the universe to propel us forward on our path towards transformation and growth. For Andrea and I, it was a Magazine for Sale ad, which turned out to be the "sign" directing us on our path. Taking a great leap (not knowing exactly where we would land,) we jumped on this path– Leap and the net will appear. Sometimes you just have to trust.

It is often said, "It’s not where you start, but where you finish that counts." However, we don’t completely agree with that. It sounds somewhat like, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins." What exactly, is meant by "where you finish?" Is it when you get that job or reach a specific "net worth?" When we reach a certain "station" in life, are we supposed to just get off there and stop doing the work so necessary for our spiritual development? We sometimes need to be reminded that it’s not about the destination; it really is all about the journey. For this reason, we are truly grateful to be journeying with you– our readers, advertisers and supporters.

We’re also grateful to be given the opportunity to reconnect with past friends, clients and healers. And, since we are lifelong local residents, Creations will once again have a strong hometown presence. Loyal readers, it’s your magazine– right in your own backyard. Our sincere wish is to create a forum for inspiration, learning and healing, providing a safe place for the heart to open. Therefore, we will always welcome your thoughtful comments and contributions. And while you’re at it, remember our advertisers. They pay the bills, keeping your Creations alive. So whenever possible, please support them and let them know that you saw their ad here.

Creations Magazine is a branch of Path of Peace Inc., and as such, this is the path that Andrea and I are learning to navigate. This September marks the 4th anniversary of 9/11. What occurred on that day was an unimaginable horror. Sadly, the man who claimed to be President immediately called for retribution. No doubt, all those involved must be held accountable and brought to justice.
But just imagine for a minute, if this question was also asked, "What is it about us (U.S. Government) that could cause others to hate us so intensely– to commit such an inconceivable atrocity?" Maybe following this course would have sent an extraordinary message to our friends– and a far more powerful message to our enemies. Perhaps a sincere dialogue would have evolved, helping to open the hearts of millions around the world. Who knows– the result may have been the start of a vast global healing. Then, those 3,000 slaughtered on that day would not have died entirely in vain.

Instead, the course our government has chosen perpetuates yet more hatred and murder. By most accounts, Iraq had no involvement in the WTC attacks, yet the war continues. Why? We support our troops. We support the safe return home of our boys and girls! If we don’t get out soon, it won’t be long before the number of U.S. citizens killed in Iraq exceeds those lost on 9/11. Living by the "eye for an eye" credo is a path that ultimately leaves the whole world blind.

We were inspired by reading the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Robert Rabbin’s article, which points out that the ultimate weakness of violence is that it just inspires more violence. You can’t stop hatred with hatred: Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.