Gentle glimmerings of hazy oranges and reds awaken me
alongside the rest of the world
with warmth reminiscent of a needed hug.

Just like this season

I am transforming, too.

Does it hurt the colors to change from greens to golds to auburns?

A shift that seems vague and yet overnight.

Fire blazes against a dulled sky,

dusted with hints of what Fall used to be.
A vibrant summer. A loud buzz of busy.

These new moments, new mornings, reveal the softness that transition can have.

Sometimes I don’t notice until it’s nearly over.

Though I witness the work as it happens before my eyes.

I look at myself, attempting to embrace the same awe that I give to the nature of things.

Change can be subtle until it’s profound.

Change can be beautiful the whole way through.

Change can be scary and worth it, and both can live in one season.

It might hurt. It might. At least parts of it.

The leaves don’t answer in words when I ask. But they continue to do what they do. Each year. Each cycle. They continue.

And that is my answer. A brown leaf underfoot.

I pray that someone sees me and whispers in wonder,

“Look at that awakening. Look at the universe – she is brave enough to let bloom colorfully within her. Look at what happens when letting go meets shifting toward what makes her – what makes you – most beautiful.

Look at nature personified…transforming, unafraid. Or maybe afraid but committed to it.

What then am I capable of, too?

Sometimes – of all the seasons –

It is autumn, I think, that teaches me the most.

Laura Adams: Laura is a yoga teacher as well as a freelance writer. Laura received her 200-hour training from Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center and is currently working on her 300-hour training certification, focused on a therapeutic approach to the yoga practice. She teaches several classes a week in a variety of formats at Green Lotus. Her own practice began thirteen years ago as a way to connect breath to body after dealing with a stress-borne illness.

Her core objective as a teacher emphasizes creating a safe atmosphere for students to journey toward their true nature and to, through the union of breath and movement, find health, connectedness, and peace in the present moment—however stressful or overwhelming said present moment is.

Laura says, “Yoga is the union of breath and body; mind and heart. It allows its practitioners useful ways to connect with themselves throughout the day, allowing for the awareness needed to live healthy, balanced lives. Furthermore, with a focus on non-harm, my techniques of teaching yoga and meditation center on allowing a person to work calmly with themselves first so that they can practice compassion, love, and a spirit of equanimity with others off the mat. Yoga is the most selfless inner journey you can take. Rediscover the miraculous masterpiece YOU are. Let your breath be your paint; your body your canvas.”