Seasons

by Julie Santilli

The way I look at life now in my mid-forties is by the seasons. Not  just  by the changes in the weather but also by how I am feeling and processing things  in my life. These seasons change depending on so many factors such as  relationships, health, gratitude, communication and the like. In this current  season of my life, I find myself feeling a bit on uneven ground with many  questions about the pandemic, how we are treating each other in our world  and also the political climate. To help me feel more grounded on a regular basis,  I tend to come to my mat and to prayer and meditation. In these places of  familiarity I can find comfort and direction. These practices lead me on a  personal journey each and every time guiding me  somewhere I need to go. But  when I don’t make the time or I am distracted and need something different, I  find myself simply turning to the season that is going on outside of myself. 

The  energy that is created from fall weather is extraordinary. I experience  an incredible sense of joy with the color change of the leaves, the cool  temperatures and the warm and wholesome foods that I desire during this lovely  time. I find that taking care of myself with the little details of nourishing  foods like warm soups, hearty salads and healthy grains comfort me.  

Wrapping up in  soft fabrics with a warm drink makes me feel supported during this changing season.  Learning to adapt  to how we engage in meaningful communication has invited us back to the days of long, lazy phone calls where we have the opportunity to listen. Creating deeper connections with our neighbors and local community grounds us in our place on the planet.

Being in service of others is always  something that creates a grounding and good feeling for me. I have had the incredible honor to be able to teach yoga to the firefighters in the last few months. It gives me such great satisfaction  to have them learn about the  immense benefits of yoga and breathwork on and off the mat. Battling the wildfires specifically here in Colorado takes committed individuals who go above and beyond what they signed up for and serving them is a privilege to me.

So depending on the season of life you are in, inside or outside of yourself, take  the time to pause, breathe and remember who and what are important in your life  and journey in that direction.