The Death of Autumn
Maybe it was being raised by a school teacher, maybe all those years I spent loving school, but something in me feels that the rhythm of the year ends in August, not December. The summer heat dries up all but the hardiest Gulf Coast natives, and autumn feels something like death, leaves falling, ushering in the season of the spirits.
So, as my children headed back to school a month ago, I dove within myself, to take stock of what remains alive, what has died, and what can be cleared away to make space for what is to come.
This seasonal process led me to make some changes in my teaching schedule. I am no longer teaching weekly classes at Life Time Greenstreet or River Oaks Country Club. I am grateful for the past three years of valuable experience teaching regular, weekly classes to a diverse group of students in two very different gyms.
I am refocusing my attention on my little Shala in Oak Forest, where we have slowly built a community of curious souls. Offerings this fall will include regular, weekly Hatha Yoga classes, Yoga + Satsang twice a month, and a Full Moon Practice.
A big part of this decision is my dedication to deepening my spiritual practice and studies with my teacher, which requires committing time and focus to Sanskrit and yoga philosophy, and consistent space in my weekly schedule for meditation and contemplation.
I will continue to volunteer my time teaching at Bhakti Urban Farm one Sunday a month, my little offering to our local temple.
I will also offer monthly Saturday afternoon workshops at Life Time to maintain the in-town connection with those who are unable to travel to Oak Forest regularly, and to open the beautiful private facility to our community. We are working out the details for the upcoming 3-part Series called “Finding Your Rhythm”. Each session will focus on tuning your practice and your life to the Sun, the Moon, and the Seasons. Practices will include movement, discussion of rhythmic living principles, journaling, and meditation.
Also, I’ll be announcing details soon for an incredible opportunity to meet Nita Kumar, director of NIRMAN, the non-profit your donations supported last year, from proceeds from classes at the Yoga Shala. The Jung Center has graciously agreed to host us for an evening event of yoga and Ayurvedic dinner, provided by Karuna’s Kitchen. Nita will share her story of her journey from a vision of education in India - where socio-economic gaps could be bridged and cultural roots integrated in high-quality holistic education for all children - to an art studio, educational research centre, and two thriving schools in Varanasi. Save the date “Pushti, A Night of Nourishment” at The Jung Center - Thursday, October 17!
Check out the website for the full list of upcoming fall classes. If you’d like to join me this Sunday, September 15 for a full moon practice, message me to save a spot ASAP!
Other classes this month at the Shala:
Friday, September 20th - 10:30-11:45 Hatha Yoga, 12:00-1:30 Satsang with Manoramā “How to Improve Your Focus”, followed by soup and community on the patio.
Friday, September 27th - 11:30-1:00 Hatha Yoga
Message me to sign up for any of the above classes.
I hope to see you all this fall - to share a cup of tea, a story, a moment around the fire.
~ With Love ~ Sarah
