Vision

This week, we reclaim our 2020 vision.

A mere nineteen years ago today when email was still a new thing, I was clicking send on my new email newsletter after dropping a note to friends and inviting them to let me know if they'd like to unsubscribe. None of them did and a community was born and I've never looked back.

The topics we discussed were far away from mainstream dialogue and listening to each other was a critical support to balance the ridicule we received among our blissfully unaware peers. In the ups and downs of SARS and financial crises and leadership uncertainty and social unrest, the rhythm of sitting down each Tuesday morning to gather and prepare the information for each issue has been itself a comforting exercise.

I have witnessed the changes, first at a snail's pace, then buffalo slow and now breaking into the marathon stride of a camel.

Over the past five years, many of those peers have become the cool kids on the block, catching the trend to offer their expertise, advice and products and services to meet a growing market.

While 2020 events have largely moved into cyberspace, the news and infotainment channels are bursting with news of sustainability, carbon capture, climate cooking, vegan fashion and ghetto chic. Health professionals are finally revealing issues around toxic sunscreens and voices are raised about realistic development.

We have learned to live with a distorted view of reality in a world where many powerless remain voiceless as the wealth gap grows with the economy, income inequality widens and one thing the current health crisis here has done is to add oil.

A fresh desire for fresh air and urban space has taken on a fresh urgency, though many in power still revert to a social default when serving the vulnerable.

Born out of real life relationships with the originals, our community continually evolves to meet these challenges as members come and go, importing new ideas and exporting warm memories.

We are moving forward one step at a time and the shop is now open in time for this year's edition of the Natural Holiday Guide. If you're not ready to buy a cloth mask, then consider the options to extend the shelf life of your disposables.

As anyone with a move-out date or terminal illness will confirm, we often accomplish much in a short time when the deadline looms.

I can assure you I never imagined sitting here typing this essay after all this time and I am grateful for your company.

I did, however, imagine those electric cars, rooftop gardens, organic farms and waterfront walkways.

I can also assure you, there is much, much more to come as we prepare to open the next door.

We have time to re-write our year-end review at the end in the remaining few months.

How will you recover your 2020 memories?

Naturally,

Founder
HK heartbeat

Listen to your own heartbeat.

Serving Hong Kong since 2001 ... naturally

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others." Jonathan Swift

Visit the calendar. Shop the marketplace. Browse the directory. Explore membership. Follow on social media.

While we wait for the next fabric shipment to consolidate our order and reduce our carbon footprint, sales will continue for our socially responsible, lightweight, antimicrobial, biodegradable masks. Please help slow the spread of disposable masks in public. Buy durable masks and give a gift to our little blue planet … naturally -- read more

Vision 2020

Support our local charities who make it easy to make a difference.

Our 2020 global migration starts with the new overseas directory.

The next digital edition is free with personal membership.

Book a listing or display ad by Sept 30 and save 25%.

Hong Kong provides a critical part of the home range for the broader dolphin population, but local dolphin abundance here has dropped by over 80 per cent in the past 15 years, threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as dwindling fisheries, marine traffic and other human threats. We need your help to secure their future -- sign our petition.

Impact Hong Kong is are often asked how to help when you see a homeless person. Take a moment to acknowledge that right now there are hundreds of homeless individuals living outdoors in Hong Kong, frightened and alone and without hope. We are happy to provide an easy option based on our local experience supporting more than 600 homeless individuals every week.-- get details.

Stay in touch -- follow us

Get updates in the Facebook group and check with the organizers. Our members are at your service. Join the conversation in our Facebook group and stay in touch on our page, enjoy fresh pics on Instagram and get updates on the website Twitter feed. Support our volunteer community with sponsored campaigns for their ongoing social programs.

When a member called about her new project, I was more than ready to hear about the new 100% biodegradable, durable, fair trade cotton smart masks. Each time I go for a walk in our tiny, remote, fishing village, I collect used surgical face masks discarded on roadside, by the path and in the river, ready to be swept into the sea with the next rain. With many landing near or right next to rubbish bins, the senseless of this insensitive behavior leaves me incensed ... read more.

Community for good

We are the real super power. Powered by trust, Hong Kong's natural network is building a fair future for everyone by connecting the public with independent professionals, commercial businesses and social organizations. Our members share fresh content and verified contacts for natural products, services and programs. We share everything you need for balanced everyday choices -- chemical-free health and beauty, lifestyle services, whole food, sustainable fashion, eco-style, green gadgets and more.

Everything is connected.

Listen to your own heartbeat.

HK heartbeat, 2/F, 41 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong

+852 2594 0134 . hello@heartbeat.com.hk