My mom’s birthday is October 28 and how she loved the fall! Truthfully, she loved all the seasons, but autumn was her special time, the colors, the crisp air, the feeling of change. As a Scorpio woman she had a remarkable ability to focus her attention on whoever was in front of her and make them feel truly seen. She wanted to know who you were, what you were interested in, and oh, how she loved to laugh! She told bawdy jokes to her grandsons and anyone else who would listen and would laugh the hardest of anyone.
Five years ago, when she was in her one hundredth year, we said goodbye to Vivacious Vi, my mom. To honor her daily walking habit, my sisters and I chose to dedicate a park bench near my house. Finding the right words to engrave on that bench was no easy task. She had kept notebooks full of quotes, jokes, observations and even a complete list of Shakespeare’s “Troillus and Cressida” characters (no idea why, but it made us laugh out loud).
Eventually we found the perfect words written in her own hand:
“A day full of sunny, a smile full of bright
A mood full of happy, a heart full of light”
These words captured who she became later in life.
But it’s important to say: she wasn’t always that woman.
My mom was the daughter of Polish immigrants, grew up during the Depression, and raised in a family where men were gods and women were meant to serve. She struggled with self-esteem and did not grow up hearing “I love you”. It wasn’t until much later, through her own growth and nudges from her daughters, that she found her voice, her joy and her light.
Why I’m Telling You This
Autumn is a season of transformation. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too have an opportunity to let go of old stories and patterns. My mom’s journey reminds me that change is always possible. Presence, kindness and light can emerge at any stage of life when we take time to pause and listen within.
This is the heart of yoga and meditation. These practices invite us to come home to ourselves, to see clearly and to cultivate the qualities we wish to grow – no matter where we’re starting from.
An Invitation
This month, I’m offering a week – long mini meditation retreat, starting next week on October 20, along with our regular yoga classes. I’d love for you to join me in this season of reflection and transformation. Together we’ll explore how presence can bring more light into our lives, just as it did for my mom.
May this autumn bring you space to pause, breathe and grow.
Much love, Patty
Add Comment