Summer 2013, Issue #72: Editor’s Note

Dear Readers,

As each issue of LILIPOH develops, my thoughts extend to you, the reader, as our editorial staff does its best to fill each page with articles of inspiration and information that wakes us up. The broad scope of our content sometimes makes it tricky to sum up what LILIPOH is all about; our tagline, The Spirit in Life, tells you more. Sometimes, LILIPOH is described as a holistic health and spirituality magazine, a green lifestyles magazine, or an anthroposophic health magazine. People have often asked how we decide on our quarterly issue focus. Many times topics are suggested by readers (send us your ideas!), staff, and our circle of trusted advisors. The last time I went casting about for input, an issue exploring autism was suggested by a few different people. While at first, it seemed the topic might be too narrow for our broad readership, my perception shifted as the submissions started to come in for review. I began to see that this issue would have much to offer to us all. Here are some of my own questions and reflections evoked by this issue’s section on autism.

Patience. As you read through the pages, imagine the parents and the co-workers who live and work with children and adults with autism, and how, again and again, they draw patience from deep within themselves. This causes me to ask—how thin is my own patience with all of those with whom I interact? And, can I increase my capacity for patience?

Generosity. Am I meeting the needs of those I know in my neighborhood? Can I reach out to parents of a family of a child with special needs, and offer a kind gesture, an evening of child care, a day of cleaning?

Compassion. To what degree am I concerned, kind, and tolerant toward those who struggle to fit in and find their way, maybe due to a disability or other mental and emotional challenges?

Openness and Impartiality. Do I meet others with an automatic projection of who they are and what they are capable of becoming? Do I judge a person and his value to me, and to society, according to the degree he can function and interact in a way considered “normal”?

As you will read, within about 10 years, 500,000 children with autism will enter adulthood. So autism does matter—to all of us.

Looking ahead, in our Winter issue, voices young and old will explore and challenge our ideas and our ideals about social structures—political, economic, and cultural. Have you “liked” us on Facebook? Given an e-subscription? If not, then please do! We love to receive your letters, and comments—so please stay in touch.

- Christy Korrow, Editor