from us
At first glance the theme of “Devotion and Addiction” seems to address two very disparate topics – certainly often the case. Devotion can be uplifting, healing and beautiful. Addiction can be heavy, hurtful and ugly. In this issue we explore each of these topics separately. However, we address the topics together because the line between the two can be gray and blurred.

Devotion can have unhealthy aspects. For example, one of our cover stories, written by Deborah L. Shipley and titled “Devotion to Others, Devotion to Self: One Mother's Perspective,” discusses the importance of finding a balance. She writes, “As with everything, devotion may carry a darker side. The dharma of devotion – whether it be to a child, a partner/spouse, an ailing parent, a friend in need or anyone else in our lives – if not coupled with the devotion to self, will ultimately lead to the loss of one's spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing.”

People suffering from addiction – be it a behavior or even unhealthy thought patterns – suffer from a similar loss of wellbeing. Marilyn Wise explores this topic in her article, “Healing the Roots of Addiction.” She utilizes the metaphor of a tree to explain the components of addiction, “Unhealed and sometimes unremembered, emotionally charged experiences can be referred to as the 'roots of addiction.' They result in dark, empty spaces in our hearts that call to be filled… The trunk is our addictive thoughts and behaviors. The branches are all the ways in which these behaviors affect our lives. The roots are the genesis of the addiction. The unhealthy influences to which we are drawn fuel the addiction and feed the roots.” She goes on to discuss a variety of effective approaches to consider utilizing when treating addiction.

Addictive thought patterns and behaviors can manifest in relationships, a topic addressed in the article “Addictive Relationships: I Love You So Why Can't We Get Along?” by Krsnanandini Devi Dasi and Tariq Saleem Ziyad. They write, “Because of their unresolved issues, these people usually attract individuals who have unresolved issues themselves. In this addictive dynamic either or both people may attempt to compensate by controlling the relationship or (unrealistically) trying to provide every emotional/physical need to the other person.” Their informative article describes how to address problems in a relationship in order to foster healthy connections. One of their recommend-ations is to create healthy patterns and skills including “a space to be together” and “a place to be apart.”

One may consider creating a sacred space in a home in order to have a specific location to be apart from others and to be at one with the divine. In her article, “Sacred Spaces,” Johanna Pockar writes, “Your sacred space – be it a meditation room or a room that you feel is your spiritual center – is a particular mirror of you…There is no formula for that. You must express yourself clearly to make a space an effective vehicle for your consciousness and intentionality.” Her article describes the various components that one may utilize to create an effective sacred space.

If we take the time to look inward, most of us probably can find aspects of both devotion and addiction in our lives. Our daily life is comprised of our thoughts and actions. We have the opportunity to recognize and foster that which serves us – to develop healthy devotion. We also can examine those beliefs and patterns that do not serve us and find ways to let them go in order to honor our higher self. We hope the articles in this issue will encourage you on both fronts.

With love and respect,

Balanced Living Magazine

from you

A note of thanks for the excellent layout and placement of my article (March-April 2007). And Bob's photos were great. I've heard a lot of positive feedback about the article and your magazine.

Edward Niam, M-T.C.M.
Institute for Self Healing
Hudson, Ohio
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You all are doing a fantastic job. I actually love to look through the advertisements and see all the fascinating shops, practitioners and services that are available! Thanks for a great magazine.

Sincerely,
Christina Neidert

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With pleasure, I read your “I Love My Job!” article featuring Decision Point's Vic Pergola in the November-December 2006 edition. In addition, I equally enjoyed the "clowning around" I Love My Job! article in the last issue (March-April 2006).

Your articles are especially appetite whetting since they are reported in an upbeat, professional, genuine and sincere manner. One learns from them; education is a key to long-term success. I wish you continued success with Balanced Living. Two thumbs up from this camp.

In kind regards,
Joni Marra, Esq.
Avon Lake, Ohio

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Balanced Living is my own required reading each month. I tell everyone I know about the magazine and end up sending copies to my friends in other states who are jealous because they don't have a publication like it in their areas.

Cheers,
Lisa Meranti
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
Peninsula, Ohio

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I just picked up a copy of your magazine at my local YMCA this morning. It is a new publication to me. I used to be interested in holistic health, vegetarianism, the environment, etc., but as I got a bit older and my values clarified and solidified, I found that most people interested in these sorts of things were also anti-American in outlook, pacifists and anti-Christian. Things like duty, honor and sacrifice always took a backseat to "being one with the universe." So it was with great hesitation that I picked up your magazine, did a quick browse, and took it home. It seems well put together, stylistically pleasing, well written, not preachy and not too kooky. I will give it a few chances.

Also, I haven't read the articles yet, but from a stylistic point of view, I thought the ring of people surrounding two different articles (cover stories, March-April 2006) was clever.

My main purpose in reading it is to re-motivate myself to get my family healthy again – in all its forms. My oldest son has ADD and it has taken a huge emotional toll on my family; it affects everybody, every day. (I'm also looking at other sources to add a nutritional component to his medication...and no, he doesn't have allergies!)
Unfortunately for us living 45-60 minutes east of Cleveland, there's not nearly as many options out here...I would love to see people/services/restaurants advertised that aren't only in the Cleveland suburbs.

Thank You,
Marie

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I am a 12-year ovarian cancer survivor, having fought four recurrences. I always have taken complimentary and alternative medicines. Your magazine is great. It tells me of seminars, books, DVDs and websites. The articles are very informing. I also pass them on to other survivors.

Sincerely,
Linda Pignatiello
Chardon, Ohio