Pumpkin spice and everything nice, what is your autumn made of? Is it your favorite season? Are you the one who decorates with pumpkins, cornstalks and mums on the first day of the season, while I’m still swimming in the pool? It seems like overnight the tree canopies are painted with a colorful array of rust, golden and orange hues. The sun rises later and sets earlier. Cool crisp mornings require you to pull out fleece jackets, shed them at noon and reapply as the sun goes down. It’s like a seasonal hot flash. Sitting on the porch swing sipping a morning coffee; I recently heard a flock of geese flying south. The corn field along the fence line is standing brown and tall ready to be harvest. Whereas stinkbugs by the droves seek refuge in my home. They’re everywhere. Just a few signs that autumn has arrived. There’s something about the beginning of fall or more so, the beginning of October. It may be my favorite season and then it’s my least favorite season. Sounds like I have a love-hate relationship with this seasonal change.

Honestly, the scents of autumn invite you to welcome the new season. They're heartwarming and embrace you like a warm robe on a chilly morning. Infusions of cinnamon, vanilla, clove and everything pumpkin flavored tickle your olfactory senses. From lattes to candles our noses and tastebuds entice us to welcome the autumn joy. Even the cool air is a welcoming reprieve from the summer heat. Admittedly, I have a hard time with shorter days and anticipating the cold weather is around the corner. It's time to prune back summer growth, winterize hose bibs, pack away patio umbrellas and prepare to spend more waking hours inside.

Ever hear of seasonal affective disorder or ‘SAD’? It’s a state of depression that usually overcomes an individual when there’s less daylight taking place during the fall and winter months. Years ago, I would take my kids to school come home and climb back in bed until I had to pick them up. Then I’d quickly make dinner, wash a couple load of laundry, put a smile of my face and pretend everything was fine. It went on for months, nobody knowing. My vitamin D levels took a nose dive, my activity level was non existent and hormones and neurotransmitters fluctuated. Truly, no one knows why. It’s not something you plan for or anticipate happening. Honestly, I think it’s more the anxiety that it may happen again that plays in the back of my mind. I mention this because if you experience this or similar feelings, please reach out for professional help. It may be as simple as getting your hormones or Vitamin D level check. Supplementation is sometimes a quick and easy fix. In addition to adjusting your mindset, to becoming active whether working out, walking, yoga, or playing pickle ball. Eating nutritious, well balanced meals and hydrate in between. Avoid eating processed foods, they are so bad for our bodies. Instead, enjoy the harvest of the season and experiment with a new recipe. Be social and plan gatherings with others. Whether it’s having family, a friend or neighbor over for a cup of tea, to craft, or plan a game night. Schedule an outing outside on a weekend to an orchard, harvest festival, or a hike at a local park. Or take a book or a cup of goodness outside for a quiet moment in nature. These suggestions will help you enjoy the pumpkin spice in your life a little more.

Whether it’s this season or next, create a maintenance month to schedule appointments for your physical, a mammogram, dental check up, an eye exam, a DEXA scan ( testing your bone density) Since I’m getting a little personal, when was your last PAP smear or colonoscopy? Not that it’s a fun 24 hours, but it’s important to have good baselines to compare to as we age. The next time you’re at the grocery store or the pharmacy sit down at the blood pressure machine. Play a little game with yourself called ‘what’s my number?’ And guess your blood pressure. It’s a good gauge (not perfect) of what’s going on with your coronary health. Seek medical attention if necessary.

And last but not least…brain health. Hydrate, get proper sleep and challenge yourself to think. Stimulate your brain by reading, engaging in conversation, solving crosswords, sudoko or learning something new. Join the Seasoned Life Yoga community book club. It’s a laid back commitment to read a book per quarter.

For the past several years I’ve attempted to teach this old dog (me) new tricks in October by signing up for a new yoga teacher’s course or certification. Challenging the mind and body. Last year Judith Hanson Lasater’s Level 2 Restorative Yoga teacher's training, the year prior it was another Yoga Nidra course, then Chair & Accessible Yoga ….the list goes on. And this year I enrolled in a Water Yoga certification. Yes, I’m taking yoga into the water. It’ll be fabulous for anyone with arthritis, MS, osteoporosis or anyone who enjoys the water and wants the benefits of a low impact yoga practice.

This Autumn let’s promote wellness, prevent illness and relax naturally. It’s the key to longevity and living a well balanced life. Here’s a few suggestions to enjoy the pumpkin spice season with Seasoned Life Yoga.

🍁Yoga Nidra: A new autumn inspired Deep Rest Yoga Nidra session will be launched each Sunday on the Seasoned Life Yoga with Marcy Kelly You Tube Channel. Lie back and listen at your convenience, in the comfort of your own home. @seasonedlifeyogawithmarcykelly

🍁Yoga Hike AdZENture: Grab your hiking shoes, a water bottle and leave your mat at home we’re heading to the trails at Oregon Ridge Park in Northern Baltimore County. Register for this event on-line and you’ll received the meeting location.

🍁Yoga at Ladew Gardens: October 5th is the grand finale for our yoga season at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, MD . A magical place for yoga!

9:30am Chair Yoga for the Seasoned Gardener

11:00am Gentle Meditative Yoga in the Iris Garden

🍁 Live Zoom Classes: Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Rise & Shine and a “NEW” Restorative Yoga for Beginners to view our schedule and register on line go to www.seasonedlifeyoga.com

🍁Yoga Books and More: the Seasoned Life Yoga Book Club will hold a reflective book discussion in November. So there’s plenty of time to grab a copy or listen to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Sign up and get reading! It’s an inspiring book.

I never know the direction this blog may take me when I sit down and let the thoughts flow to my fingers. I hope it inspires you to take care of YOU. As women, we’re genuinely nurturing spirits at heart. More concerned of taking care of others rather than ourselves. If not this month, plan ahead and schedule your appointments. Take time to stretch and move your body and embrace a quiet moment to relax naturally. Your health and mental wellbeing is critical. If your teacup is empty, you cannot offer anyone else a sip. Be well, be safe and enjoy this pumpkin spice season.

Until next time Sweet Friend...just breathe.🍁