Honestly, there’s just not enough summer weekends. Some are quiet and relaxing and some are filled with family and friends, full hearts, and just a hint of exhaustion. Recently, after a fun-filled weekend, I drove my mom home. The rhythm of the road carried us back into our quieter routines. But traffic had other plans. The GPS rerouted us onto a winding detour through rural back roads I might never have taken on my own.

The scenery softened.  Rows of trees and strip malls gave way to rolling fields. It was quiet. Unhurried. Then, in the distance, I noticed a golden glow stretching across the landscape. At the next stop sign, instead of following the navigation, I followed my heart. I turned.

Just a few miles down the road, an entire field of sunflowers stood in full bloom, turning their faces toward the morning sky. I pulled over, smiling, and gently encouraged my mom to get out with me. We took a few photos, stood still in the moment, and let ourselves soak in the beauty.  Laughing, pausing, and simply being.  A moment where there was no rushing, no planning… pure presence.  It reminded me how easily we can miss these moments when we are following directions, staying in our routines. But sometimes, the detour is the invitation. The stillness is the medicine that soothes the soul.

In yoga, we don’t just move.  We pause. We breathe. We notice. We turn inward toward the subtle glow that’s always there waiting, like a field of sunflowers in full bloom.  This month, I invite you to savor the stillness. Allow the edges of life to soften. Welcome and be open to the detours. Let’s find beauty in the unexpected and rest in what is.

This month Seasoned Life Yoga has opportunities and suggestions for you to savor the stillness of summer.  Encouraging you to take a detour off the fast, busy path of life.

💗 Create a New Morning Routine. Wake up 10 minutes earlier and resist the urge to jump into doing. Instead, sit with your tea or coffee, place your bare feet on the ground, take five deep breaths, or write a single line in your journal. Begin your day grounded, not rushed.

💗  Make Time for Gentle Movement. Join a Gentle Yoga,  Chair Yoga or Restorative Yoga or Morning Rise & Shine class to slow down, stretch out or just relax and renew. When we move mindfully, we reconnect with the quiet wisdom inside us. Enjoy an in person or live Zoom class. Schedule and free yoga offerings are located at www.seasonedlifeyoga.com.

💗  Pause for a Midday Reset.   Set a gentle reminder on your phone labeled “Pause + Breathe.” Step outside, place a hand on your heart, and take a few slow breaths. Even one mindful pause can shift your whole day.

💗   Unwind with Yoga Nidra.  Use one of the Summer of Ease Yoga Nidra recordings to transition from busy to calm. It’s the perfect way to practice stillness, especially when your body is tired but your mind is still active. Located on the app Insight Timer (as teacher Marcy Kelly) or on YouTube.  This month marks the 1 year anniversary of the Seasoned Life Yoga w/ Marcy Kelly YouTube Channel. There’s a selection of recordings (52 to be exact!)  including a Series for each of the four Seasons, a New Beginnings Series, and a Gracious Heart Series.The Around the Clock Series has a Yoga Nidra perfect for anytime of the day. No experience needed, created for every body and all level. Savor a quiet moment during the day, before bed or in the morning for a refreshing start.  Get comfy, lie back and listen. It’s that easy!

💗  Let a Book Hold You.  This month, carve out a few quiet moments to read and reflect without multitasking. Let the stillness of the page settle your nervous system and inspire inner presence.  This summer, our free flowing Book Club is reading Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea.  We’ll be discussing the book on August 26th.  It’s one of my favorite summertime books. Perfect for a  reflective conversation!

💗 Savor the Favors of the Season.  Stroll a farmer’s market or stop by a local produce stand and support your local farmers.  Eat nutritiously, mindfully and enjoy the abundance of the summer harvest. Vine ripened tomatoes, a few ears of sweet corn, plump juicy peaches, a handful of fresh herbs  and a dozen of fresh eggs excite me. Set your table, use cloth napkins, light a candle or two, turn on soft background music and create a dining experience for you, as one or as a family.  Slow down, chew your food, put your fork down and perhaps enjoy what you prepared. Your digestive system may thank you!

💗 Hydrate.   Drink water during these hot, humid days. Fill a glass pitcher in the morning, add a sprig of mint or a few slices of lemon or cucumber and sip on it through out the day.  Being well hydrated is necessary for every system of your body.

Enjoy these simple suggestions to savor the stillness during this season of life. I hope you take a detour out of your busy summer schedule to share time with loved ones. Appreciate the warm sunny days and savor the cooler moon-lit nights. And if you have a chance, Sweet Friend, take a moment and roll out your yoga mat. I’d love to see you there. Be well, stay safe and take care. Until next time… just breathe.💕