I love to read really good non-commercial magazines. I leave them in different places around the house for months - picking up an article to read here and there, and reread them many times. They are a source of inspiration, points of reflection and motivators for action.
I share the stories I read with Evan, discuss the ideas with the children, and pass around the magazines to friends, family and our WWOOFers.
I have tried online versions, but there's just something about the print version that is so appealing - particularly a really well-designed magazine with excellent photography and inspiring and challenging writing. It's often the unexpected articles, the ones I might not click on in the online version, that surprise and intrigue me.
It's a simple joy, but I love the anticipation of receiving my magazines by mail and sitting down with a cuppa to do the initial scan, working out what I am going to read first and then making the magazine last as long as I can.
One of my all-time favourites is Resurgence Magazine which has recently merged with another of my favourites, The Ecologist. I have been subscribing continuously since 1992. This magazine is filled with articles about ecological thinking, peaceful and sustainable living, and positive activism.
Another magazine I stumbled across more recently is Dumbo Feather. I love delving into the long, deep conversations they have with extraordinary people who are doing very amazing things with their lives, following their passions - being 100 percenters as they call it. They wrote an article about three steps to becoming a 100 percenter - asking 'What is you were able to align your values with how you live? "Pass it on" is printed on their cover page - I always do.
And finally, I have to say PIP Magazine: Australian Permaculture is another favourite too - full of absolutely practical information about ways to live a simple and sustainable life, I've been writing for this magazine since issue 2 - contributing articles, an overview of permaculture projects around the world, and now also contributions to the kids page. In the latest issue includes an article I wrote about Nature Kids and the importance of connecting children with nature.
There are of course so many other magazines I enjoy reading. I find them in the newsagent or library and occasionally buy, but these three I think represent my favourites.
Have you got any amazing favourites? I'd love to learn about other wonderful reads.