This Mindful Moment: Letting Go Like the Leaves

On a walk the other day, I noticed a tree halfway between seasons. The top branches were still full of green, holding on tightly, while the lower branches had already begun to scatter golden leaves across the sidewalk. It struck me how the tree didn’t rush the process. It didn’t force every leaf to drop at once. Instead, it allowed the letting go to come in its own time—messy, uneven, but also natural and beautiful.

Fall has a way of reminding us that letting go can be both uncomfortable and freeing. For many of us, this season brings shorter days, a shift in routine, or even heavier emotions. It can feel harder to find energy, motivation, or connection. And yet, like the tree, we can learn to lean into the rhythms of the season with gentleness.

Here are a few ways to support yourself this fall:

• Make space for light. Spend time outdoors when you can, even if just a short walk. Light candles in the evening, or find small ways to brighten your home.

• Choose comfort with intention. Wrap yourself in a blanket, drink something warm, or cook a favorite meal. Notice how comfort feels in your body, and give yourself permission to receive it.

• Move with the season. Try slower, grounding movement—yoga, stretching, or simply standing outside and breathing in the crisp air.

• Stay connected. Reach out to a friend, join a group, or spend time with loved ones. Connection is the fire that warms us when the days grow cold.

• Practice gentle release. Ask yourself: What is one thing I no longer need to carry into this season? It might be a pressure, a thought, or a habit. Like the leaves, allow it to fall away in its own time.

Mindful Practice

Find a leaf outside and hold it in your hand. Notice its colors, its veins, its edges. As you breathe, imagine something in your life you are ready to release. With each exhale, allow yourself to let go just a little bit more. When you’re ready, place the leaf back on the ground as a reminder that release can be gentle, natural, and freeing.