February arrives quietly. The days are still short and the air still cold. For many of us, this month can feel a little heavy emotionally, physically, and even energetically. Winter has a way of asking us to slow down, to look inward, and even to feel things we’ve been too busy to notice.

Recently, I had a moment that reminded me just how quickly our minds can turn on us.  Someone was visiting my home and, as they walked into the next room, they casually said,“Your petals are no longer perky.”   

Immediately, my body tightened. I felt a little perplexed, embarrassed and quite a bit self-conscious.  I know I’m aging. I’m aware my body is changing. And in that split second, my mind filled in all the gaps. I was momentarily speechless. Then I turned toward him and gently said, “Excuse me?”

  He stopped, completely serious, and said, “Your flowers here on the table. The petals are wilted and falling off the stems.”  Ohhhhhh… the flowers.  I chuckled internally.  A humbled feeling of relief flooded my body as I reminded myself. How human of me.

That moment stayed with me. Not because of what was said, but because of how quickly my inner voice jumped to self-criticism. How fast I assumed the comment was about me and my body, my age, my appearance.   And it made me wonder…How often do we speak to ourselves this way without even realizing it?

Winter can be tender on the physical body and the nervous system. Our bodies may feel slower. Our energy may dip. Old stories about worth, beauty, productivity, or “shoulds” can quietly resurface. And instead of meeting ourselves with kindness, we often tighten, judge, or push through.

This month, I invite you to soften into self-compassion. To notice the moments when your inner voice is sharp and gently choose a kinder tone. To remember that aging is not a flaw, slowing down is not failure, and rest is not something to earn. Just like winter flowers, we’re not meant to bloom all year long.

Yoga gives us a beautiful practice ground for compassion. On the mat, we learn to listen rather than force. To breathe through discomfort. To meet ourselves exactly as we are…stiff, tired, tender, or strong with a kind curiosity rather than criticism.  Perhaps this month isn’t asking you to become something new.  Instead it’s simply inviting you to be more gentle with who you already are.  So if you catch yourself being hard on your body, your energy, or your reflection in the mirror. Simply pause. Take a breath. And remember the flowers on the table.  Sometimes what looks wilted is simply resting.  And sometimes what we need most is a little softness. Here’s a few suggestions to help you soften into self compassion.

♥️  Listen to a Deep Rest Yoga Nidra This ancient art of non doing soothes the anxious mind, relaxes the body and helps you to get an amazing night’s sleep. If done during the day, it’s rejuvenating and energizing. Studies show a 30 minute session is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep.  Seasoned Life Yoga YouTube Channel has many recordings. My personal favorite it the Around the Clock Series.  It’s great if you have YouTube Premium, otherwise jump on the app Insight Timer to listen so you’re not interrupted with advertisements.  Get comfy, lie back and listen at your own convenience. It’s a practice for any body and every level. It’s soothing while recovering from a procedure or surgery, calming for an anxious mind and unable to sleep or if you need a little pick me up in the middle of your day. It’s absolutely amazing!   

♥️ Take A Yoga Class. Seasoned Life Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes to help increase your flexibility, balance and a help stretch your muscles to help improve your posture, pelvic floor muscles and general muscle tone of your overall body. Each class weaves in breath work and relaxation techniques to help down regulate the nervous system. There are a variety of mat based classed Gentle Meditative Yoga, Rise & Shine (for you early birds), and Restorative Yoga.  Chair Yoga is perfect for the person with tender knees, hips or back or if  you have difficulty getting up and down from the mat.   Check out the website for live and Zoom class schedule for Chair Yoga, Gentle Meditative Yoga and Restorative Yoga. Yoga Hikes & Yoga at Ladew Topiary Gardens will be returning in the Spring season.

♥️ Exfoliate & Moisturize. This time of the year your skin needs a little love & softening too. During your next shower, grab a loofah or a body scrub (raw sugar or sea salt & coconut oil) and use moisturizer after your shower. Go crazy and pumice your heels! Our bodies generate new epidermis skin cells every fourteen days. A little exfoliation helps remove the dry, dead skin cells and you’ll be left with soft, supple skin. Hydrate for an extra bonus.

♥️ Join Yoga, Books & More. Seasoned Life Yoga’s free-flowing book club is reading Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson. Not our normal book selection, but it’s a lovely book recently given to me. It’s a beautiful foundation for a reflective, and heartfelt discussion.  The Winter Book Club discussion will take place in early March so there’s plenty of time to read.

♥️ Embrace Quiet Time. No explanation needed. Quiet time is different for everyone…enjoy!

♥️ Enjoy Communi-Tea. A casual, no frills, ‘come as you are’ time to gather and find compassion thru connection. Fill your cup, fill your heart with positive vibes and enjoy a few chuckles along the way. It may be after a live class or a scheduled time on Zoom.

I invite you to join me on the mat this month. Check out the Seasoned Life Yoga website for our free weekly offerings. www.seasonedlifeyoga.com.  It’s my gift to you.♥️

Until next time Sweet Friend…just breathe.