STRONG ROOTS:
A Meditation Vacation
By Sunya Kjolhede
Recreation is rooted in to re-create: to bring back to life, to create anew. Consciously or unconsciously, many people are hoping for just such a fresh start from a vacation. More than simple relaxation and sightseeing, we may be longing for a deeper sense of renewal, a chance to somehow recreate our lives and ourselves. The problem, of course, is that whatever we do and wherever we go, even to the most exotic setting, we bring along the deeply ingrained mental and emotional habits of a lifetime. No matter how lightly we pack our bags, unless we also lighten up this mind baggage we will drag along a burden that can drain our energy, dull our senses, and cut us off from others and from ourselves. …

Hit the (Appalachian) Trail
By Teresa Soule
The Appalachian Trail, or AT, is one of the ultimate backpacking adventures. It stirs images of beautiful vistas and peaceful meadows, gentle paths and grueling rocky climbs. Hikers experience rarely seen wilderness and pass a hundred tiny towns. Some trail hounds travel straight through and some experiment in smaller day or week trips.

When considering a hike on the AT, first consider the facts. The AT spans 2174 plus miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It runs through fourteen states and over sixty federal, state, and local parks and forests. It is probably one of the busiest trails in our entire nation. …

SOUL KITCHEN:
The Slow Food Movement
By Jennifer Lapidus
The bus stopped on the side of the road where two cars sat waiting for us. In broken English we are told we will now be taken to eat and then to where we will sleep. We have been traveling for over 24 hours at this point. From Atlanta to Milan, and then the waiting around for other delegates to arrive at the airport, the bus ride to Turin, to the Palazzo del Lavoro and then more waiting around for another bus ride to take us to our accommodations. All the waiting had caused some impatience (not surprisingly) among some Americans around me. In response to the invitation for a meal, an American woman announced that none of us want to eat, that we just want to sleep. …

BREATHE IN:
What is Breathing?
By David Aukamp
Aaaaah, take a deep breath and relax. Have you ever heard that before? There is actual a science and art behind this universal statement that can help reduce stress.

First, what is breathing? You may think that because it is automatic that it does not require your attention. Besides, if you don’t think about it, you are still being breathed. Air still travels through your nose, down the trachea, and finally to the alveoli where oxygen enters your blood and CO2 is sent back into the air… whether you think about it or not. …

:BUY LOCAL: CAROLINAS: Tailgate Markets and CSA Listings