Last weekend, I had the gift of spending time with my daughter, son-in-law, and my sweet grandson. We enjoyed the cool autumn evening outside by the fire pit, watching the sparks dance into the night sky. We went apple picking at a local orchard and wandered the rows of the different apple trees heavy with fruit.

What touched me most wasn’t just the beauty of the season, it was seeing my daughter embrace her new role as a mother. Watching her gently navigate those tender waters filled my heart with gratitude. Seeing David’s joy as he picked his very first apple.  His little hands clutching the apple so tightly before tasting its crisp sweetness.  It was a moment of pure joy. It reminded me how precious these experiences truly are.

Autumn has always been a season of change. The trees begin their quiet surrender, letting go of leaves that have served their purpose. There’s a lesson in that for all of us. Just as the trees release what they no longer need. We’re also invited to let go of expectations, of busyness, of the things that weigh us down.

Letting go isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like a loss. But in truth, it is an opening. When we release what no longer serves us, we create space for what is ready to grow…whether that’s deeper presence with loved ones, a clearer mind, or more joy in our days.

In yoga, we practice this letting go each time we exhale. Each breath out is a reminder that release is as natural as holding on. In stillness, in movement, and even in our quiet reflections off the mat, we can lean into this seasonal wisdom: to trust the cycle, to soften, and to savor the beauty of letting go.

This month I invite you to reflect.  What might you be ready to release?  Where can you create space for joy, connection, and peace? Or perhaps, you may be interested  joining a live or on line Seasoned Life Yoga offering and experience the beauty of letting go with others inside our community.  A warm Autumn welcome to join my free offerings, more details on www.seasonedlifeyoga.com

🍁 Live Yoga at Ladew Gardens: This is the grand finale of the 2025 Yoga Season offering two classes (Chair Yoga & Gentle Yoga) to benefit the beautiful gardens. These classes will take place outside so bring an extra layer for the cool, crisp air.

🍁 Live Yoga on Zoom: Begin your mornings with/ Rise & Shine. Enjoy a Gentle Meditative Yoga class or Chair Yoga Class, or learn how to use bolsters, blocks & blankets in a Restorative Yoga Class.  It’s the perfect way to release the tension in the body and let go of daily aches and pains.

🍁 Listen to a Yoga Nidra: A new Ease Into Autumn Series is being released each Sunday at noon on The app Insight Time or on the Seasoned Life Yoga YouTube Channel.  No need to move, just lie back and listen. This is great if you’re recovering from surgery, need a few quiet moments to yourself or are having difficulty sleeping. It’s a special experience that resets your nervous system. Studies have shown a 30 minute practice is equivalent to 3 hours of deep rest.  Follow and leave a review on Insight Timer ( no ads) or on YouTube (Use only if you have the Premium subscription, or  there’s a free 30 day trial)  In your review mention the words ‘Seasoned Life Yoga' or Birthday and I have something special for you. 🧡

🍁 Yoga Hike AdZENture. Place your bare yogi feet in your hiking shoes and meet me on the trail at Oregon Ridge Park.  The trail is a little challenging due to erosion. Please note there’s roots, rocks and a little steepness to navigate. In other words, it’a true hike in the woods not a stroll on flat ground. Wear layers, bring your water and leave your mat at home. We’ll move, breathe and and enjoy the the changes taking place in nature and within our mind, body and spirit.   

🍁 Book Club:  the Autumn book selection for Seasoned Life Yoga’s free flowing book club  is Donna Cameron’s A Year of Living Kindly: Choices That Will Change Your Life and the World Around You. It’s a great read for a reflective group discussion. Hybrid book discussion in early Dec. Sign up now!

🍁 Birthday Yoga & Juice Shots in the Gazebo: Back to SWFL. Come and celebrate with me the joy of rotating around the sun and the beauty of letting go of 55.

At 22,  I lost my dad. He was 46 years old.  When I turned 46,  I realized how much I appreciate each new year ….the relationships, the experiences, the conversations and the precious moments  living in this big, beautiful, imperfect world.   That was ten years ago.  Time flies… at that time I made a pact never to feel sad about growing older. Instead consider it a blessing. I embraced the mantra of ‘aging with grace, patience and with a sprinkle of humor on top.’   I hope this Autumn you’ll share with me the beauty of letting go…..Living each day with purpose, gratitude and seeing the glimmers of joy. Just as the trees trust the process, so can we. May you find your own version of crisp autumn air, warm fireside evenings, and sweet, simple moments that remind you of what really matters.

With love and gratitude, Sweet Friend...until next time, just breathe.🧡