Although Natural Awakenings typically steers away from political activity aside from the occasional Action Alert, the 2020 Election has sparked a deep compulsion within me to speak up regarding this unprecedented event with regard to voting rights and our obligation as Americans to execute on those rights.

According to events chronicled on History.com, an evening known as The Night of Terror, November 14, 1917, was a night of torture for 33 women who had been arrested for picketing outside the White House in the quest for voting rights. Subjected to being shackled to the ceiling of the cell they were confined, forced to stand through the night, food infested with worms, filthy water, dirty bedding and force-feeding after hunger strikes; the women were steadfast and unwavering in their commitment to voting freedom for women.

During the time of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, women protesters, heckled politicians, broke windows and lit fires in the effort to bring awareness and initiate change across America. While 100 years have passed since the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women still do not have equal rights in the United States of America. There is much work still to be done, not only for women’s rights but for all Americans.

I believe that voting for officials that align with our individual conscience is the most precious right we have in this country. My hope is that, regardless of political party or affiliation, everyone of legal age exercises that right on or before November 3.

In the meantime, we’ve got lots of ways to help you find calm amid the seemingly endless unrest we are experiencing collectively. In “Responding to Stress: A Whole-Body Natural Approach for Support,” Integrative and Functional Dietitian, Tamara Luck, shares four natural ways to support an appropriate stress response.

Our feature story from author, Marlaina Donato, “Calm Down: Taming the Flames of Stress-Related Illness,” offers tips on working with—rather than against—the body’s nervous system by employing lifestyle changes, releasing trauma and considering options such as a nourishing diet, safe herbal options and gentle energy modalities to help break a vicious cycle.

For those interested in a natural medicinal approach to anxiety, author Matthew Herrold offers, “Start Low and Go Slow: Treating Anxiety with Cannabis.” Encouraging readers to consult with medical professionals certified in endocannabinoid medicine, Herrold provides an easy-to-understand strategy for navigating the complicated world of cannabis medicine.

With wishes for peace through self-care for all.

Peace,

Maisie Raftery, Publisher