What Are You Ready to Shed?

We are officially in the unofficial start of Fall. Even though the days are still warm (very warm), the sun is setting a little earlier, college football is back, and the promise of leaves crunching beneath our boots is just within reach.

Every Fall, trees shed their leaves, their branches slowly baring themselves to the world as temperatures dip during the winter months. And then, almost like magic, new life blooms each Spring. There is something comforting about this process. The trees don't cling to what is no longer needed. They just shed and let go.

So, what do you want to shed this season?

What can you allow to fall away so you can be fully present and find your joy?

For me, I am hoping to shed some of my grief over the loss of my mom. I don't want to shed the memories, the love, or the imprint she left on my life. What I want to release is that wave of unbearable sadness. The kind that still shows up unexpectedly and literally takes my breath away. The kind that reminds me that she isn't here.

Yoga helps. I can step onto my mat, take a breath, and allow my body to move. I can feel what I feel, and then, little by little, let some of it go.

As the days grow shorter and colder, remember to come to your mat. The mat accepts you exactly as you are. It gives you grace for what you are able to give on any given day. Some days, you may have the energy to move, to stretch, to challenge yourself. Other days, simply showing up and taking a few deep breaths may be enough.

Breathe. Move. Rest. Shed what needs to fall away.

With each practice, we can create a little more space for the things we want to hold onto: the memories, the love, the gratitude, the joy. And maybe for this season, that's enough.