Editorial March 2010

This month we have a family feature and are fortunate to have the amazing singer/songwriter James Blundell’s thoughts on music, inspiration and balancing family life (interview p3). In our society, no one family looks the same; some are blended, some are single parent families or others have surrogate family members. Then of course there are our extended family members!

In many ways the dynamics of a ‘family’ can create synergy which can benefit the world at large.
We are part of many different types of families throughout our lives starting with our family of origin. Some of us are tragically removed from biological parents from an early age and move from one foster care family to the next. If we didn’t really experience a sense of family growing up, we may search for friendship circles and workplaces, to feel a sense of belonging. Although some search outside for the feeling of wholeness and belonging to a ‘family’ but are still left feeling empty inside.

Then as adults we face the decision of starting our own family. For many this can be a painful journey. Miriam Young says (page 6), that we often relive our own childhood as we experience our children growing up. Emotionally, some may avoid having children or even unconsciously block the process of conception due to the trauma they experienced in childhood. This is just one interesting and poignant factor in the area of infertility. Whether we have or adopt children or decide not to start a family, there is no right and wrong. Although, it appears that when we find a connection and wholeness inside ourselves then we are more likely to genuinely connect with others and as a bonus, feel that the world is our family.

“Living and working on the land brings family bliss!”

Interview with Australian country music icon James Blundell

Born and bred in Stanthorpe, Queensland, James Blundell believes that happiness and personal freedom are inextricably linked with building a connection to the land. This month James talks candidly with Ben Sorensen about his blessed country lifestyle and the joys of family life.   read more

Mums and Good Gut Bugs By Dr Sarah Lantz

‘It all starts with our gut’ is the catch-cry of our household and the foundation for our health practices, particularly since giving birth just four months ago. read more

Optimising Fertility with Pre-conception Care   By Miriam Young
Infertility occurs equally amongst men as it does women. Research shows one in six couples is infertile, one woman in five will suffer a miscarriage and one child in ten suffers from learning difficulties.  read more

Family Matters  Making the hard job of parenting into an opportunity to grow......  By Clinical Psychologist Luke Walters read more

Family Bliss By Carina Glanville 
It is a myth in our society that to serve our families a parent, particularly the mother, must either give up what she truly loves and be with her family, or give up on her family to have what she truly loves. read more

Dreamcatchers Movie Launch

Druid's Garden-This month it's Rosemary!  with Radio and TV's Ben Sorensen  read more

The Chi Revolution! By Jost Sauer    read more

Mr Green- The Ideas Man  read more