fall is in the air + beckons reflection

Friday, September 4, 2009
How do geese know when to fly to the sun? Who tells them the seasons? How do we, humans know when it is time to move on? As with the migrant birds, so surely with us, there is a voice within if only we would listen to it, that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown. – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I was delighted to see leaves in shades of red and gold while doing yoga on a screened porch in the woods last weekend. A fresh season is upon us and I’m grateful for the cool breeze accompanying it. As summer comes to a close over the next few weeks, I encourage you to spend some time in svadhyaya (self-study). As nature changes around you, it prompts you to turn within and make your own changes.

Each fall I grab a hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, curl up with a comforter, and pull out the Wheel of Life exercise (see page 73 of hip tranquil chick), which you may have been exposed to during workshops, while working with a coach, or on any retreat with me. This exercise has you assess your level of satisfaction with areas such as health, home environment, education, finances, relationships, joy, creativity, self-care, career, and spirituality. Your level of satisfaction could easily change daily, depending on positive feedback at the office, a messy home, a breakup, or a lingering cold. By taking a look at these categories on a seasonal basis, you can establish action steps to move past stagnation. This also allows you to catch any brewing dissatisfaction or dreams that may be beneath the surface.

Yoga allows us the opportunity to move out of our head and into our bodies. Listen within. What beckons you? What is calling for change or exploration? Just as we explore our edge on the yoga mat by seeking that place of sensation beyond the comfort zone before pain, I encourage you to find your edge off the mat this fall. I’m joining you on this exploration by returning to graduate school to pursue a MSW.  

What will be your new pursuit or surrender this season? Namaste.
posted by kimberly wilson
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