Life’s lessons happen in the simplest and least expected ways. Like a bus ride. Today I took the bus heading west up Sydney’s busy George St and in the space of 10 minutes or so became convinced that city people are seriously underestimated.

They are friendly, thoughtful, aware and considerate - admittedly, it was a small sample and it wasn’t rushhour. But it was busy enough to have people jumping around like a game of musical chairs, offering their seat to anyone who looked older and frailer - and it wasn’t just young people but one or two distinctly middle aged gents who showed this courtesy, including my husband I’m pleased to say. Several passengers even called out to the (amenable) bus driver to wait a little longer to allow an elderly woman to get off. No hassle, no rudeness, just looking out for your neighbour.

For those of us like me who do most of their travelling in the cocoon of their car, it’s refreshing to get out there and mix with real people, not jostle for space on overcrowded roads. Hats off to Sydneysiders - you really are a nice, friendly bunch.

It is an example of altruism that’s alive and well in our society. And as we consider that theme this month, I’d also like to acknowledge all those in the extended NOVA community who contribute in some way every month to keep our long and proud tradition flourishing as we approach our 19th year.

Writers like astrologer Daniel Sowelu (with us since the beginning), Jeremy Hill who finds something new and valuable for us in naturopathy every month, Charmaine Saunders who’s been guiding us in love and friendship for more than 10 years, wholefood cook Jude Blereau who’s provided delicious and healthy dishes for thousands of families via her monthly recipe, Adrian Glamorgan who always writes from the heart on environmental and peace issues, Peter Dingle who’s provided us with some ground breaking research into important health issues, Nicola Silva who brings soul to her perceptions of life, Olivier Lejus who has introduced many of us to the wisdom of the Eastern healing traditions, Chandrika Gibson, another NOVA original who’s returned in recent years with her wise and often serene yoga columns and enlightening advice on holistic health, film reviewer Mary O’Donovan who always makes time for us in her busy professional life, Helen Patrice, so witty and wise as she explores a theme, and Phil Bennett who jazzes us up with his sparkling music reviews. There are many others, of course, and please don’t be offended if I don’t mention you here. But I simply can’t overlook Jo Buchanan, a lovely storyteller and altruistic to the core.

And, of course, there are our loyal advertisers, many of whom have been with us for much of our journey. We can’t do it without you and it is your commitment to NOVA that is allowing us to pursue our vision of a strong, robust holistic health community in Australia and beyond. All strength to you.

A final word on our iPad version. It has become a reality and it’s up there now in Newsstand for you to download and enjoy. It’s free, it’s accessible and we think it’s fun to read. It will become a monthly alternative for those who prefer to read in a digital format, so give it a try.

Margaret Evans
NOVA Editor
February 2012