Return to Yourself

As we approach the solstice—a quiet turning of the light—I find myself returning again and again to the phrase return to yourself. This has been a year of real change for me, one that has gently (and sometimes not so gently) asked me to return to what is my truth: presence, simplicity, time in nature, and listening more closely.

In this way, returning to yourself feels closely connected to yoga. Yoga has always been about remembering, a return to our true self in a world that often pulls us away. It is a practice of letting go of busyness, distractions, and the stories in our minds, and coming home.

Yoga simply asks us to show up as we are. Angry or peaceful. Restless or steady. Open or unsure. It invites us to pause and be with what is, right here and right now, without needing to fix or change anything.

Even as everything around us changes, the steady goodness at our center remains. When we slow down and notice, we can meet ourselves with kindness and say, Ah, there you are. Hello, me. You are welcome here.

About The Author

Susan Mathis, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP

Susan is deeply committed to the practice of yoga, pranayama, and conscious living. A Professional Level, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, she offers steady guidance, practical knowledge and infuses the deep wisdom of yoga philosophy into her teaching. A lover of the natural world, adventure, and travel, Susan engages with nature through hiking, biking, and scuba diving. She is the owner and director of alleyCat Yoga and Yoga to Grow.