Do you find yourself reaching for the light switch, lighting a candle, or perhaps turning your fireplace on a little earlier these days? My husband has asked me several times in the past few weeks, “Why are you working in the dark?” I usually shrug, deep in thought, writing as the backlight of the computer illuminates my workspace. Either the sun hasn’t risen yet or it’s already set. Honestly, this season, I feel a sense of contentment from the change around me.

As the days grow shorter and autumn settles around us, there’s a natural invitation to turn inward. Nature itself is changing. The leaves are transforming, the air is crisp, and the rhythm of the season reminds us that change is a natural part of life. Isn’t there an old saying, “The only constant in life is change?”

There are so many changes taking place around us. For example, technology, how we gather information, the way we communicate, how we shop, what we read and how we read it, even the vehicles we drive. The list goes on and on. We also experience changes within our bodies from the moment we’re conceived until our last precious breath. Perhaps you’re noticing shifts in your body, your energy, or your emotions. Maybe you’re navigating the quiet of an empty nest, recently experienced a divorce or loss of a beloved, entered retirement, or re-engaged in the workforce. Whatever life is bringing your way, remember to “turn on the lights” so you can see and navigate the path ahead with clarity and compassion.

This month, I invite you to pause, turn inward, and honor the unique light that shines within you. Even amidst life’s transitions, there is a warm glow inside.  It’s your essence, your creativity, your joy and it deserves attention and care. Too often, we devote ourselves to caring for others, and in the process, lose touch with the spark that makes us feel alive. Now is the perfect time to rediscover it.

Yoga offers a gentle path to reconnect. Whether it’s a few moments on your mat, a meditative breath, or a mindful movement practice, the mat becomes a space to pause, feel, and find yourself. It’s where you can reconnect with your body, soothe your mind, and rekindle the relationship with the person you may have set aside. Here are a few suggestions to help you find your inner glow:

💗 Seasoned Life Yoga Offerings: Sign up for a free class in person or live on Zoom. Check out www.seasonedlifeyoga.com for the complete class schedule and choose the one that’s right for you.

Chair Yoga: Perfect if you have difficulty getting up and down from the mat.

Gentle Meditative Yoga: A mat-based class for all levels, welcoming to beginners.

Rise and Shine: For early birds who love to stretch and start the day energized.

Restorative Yoga: A relaxing treat for your nervous system. This passive form of yoga uses props to support the body in nurturing

positions, allowing deep relaxation and a sense of well-being.

💗 Yoga Nidra or a Deep Rest Journey: Listen on Insight Timer or on the Seasoned Life Yoga with Marcy Kelly YouTube Channel. Yoga Nidra is the ancient art of non-doing.  It means “yogic sleep.” There are no yoga poses involved; you simply get comfortable, lie back, and listen. It’s a guided meditation that relaxes the body, calms a racing mind, and soothes you into a serene state of tranquility.  Just a few of the many benefits include easing anxiety, reducing cortisol levels by resetting the nervous system, and improving sleep quality. Studies show that a 30-minute session can be equivalent to three hours of deep sleep. Dr. Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist and Stanford professor, speaks about this on The Huberman Lab Podcast, referring to it as Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR). Walter Reed Medical Center also uses this technique to help veterans relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

💗 Journal : This month, spark your creative side and use the weekly prompts posted on the Seasoned Life Yoga Facebook Page and in the Seasoned Life Circle inside the Insight Timer app. These prompts are designed to help you reconnect with yourself during this season of life. Writing is a therapeutic way to express your feelings and emotions, especially when spoken words are hard to find.

💗 Be Creative: Let the creative juices flow! This can be done solo, in a group, or online. Take a painting class, plan a craft night, gather to knit, sew, or quilt. Try a ZenTangle workshop or an online creative community. The options are endless!

💗 Unplug for an Evening: Turn off the TV and turn on some music. Cook in and invite someone over to share your pot of goodness. Stroll down memory lane by reminiscing over old photos. Play cards or a board game, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or simply take a soothing bath or shower. Exfoliate and enjoy moisturizing with your favorite lotion or body oil. If you’re not in the mood to do, then simply rest. Your body may be asking for well-deserved sleep.

💗 Curl Up with a Book : Reading exercises your brain and soothes the soul. Dive into a juicy novel, thumb through a cookbook, learn something new, or join the Seasoned Life Yoga Autumn Book Club selection: A Year of Living Kindly: Choices That Will Change Your Life and the World Around You by Donna Cameron.  We’ll be discussing the book on December 16th at 7 p.m. It’s a hybrid, free-flowing reflective discussion—so wherever you are, you’re welcome to join!

As you move through this season, notice the glow of curiosity, creativity, and joy that lives within you. Allow yourself to nurture it, celebrate it, and let it illuminate even the shortest days. Turn inward, breathe deeply, and find the light within—a warm, steady glow that reminds you of who you truly are.

Looking forward to seeing you on the mat, Sweet Friend.  Until next time… just breathe. 💕