Fall Season 2025:

All the Fall Feels

Fall at Idylwild

Slightly delayed, and finally here! Many exciting things are brewing here at Idylwild! Fall has always been a favorite time of year for me, ever since I was a child. Growing up on a tree farm and then moving to the ocean, I was naturally immersed in nature from my very beginning. Nature has been a topic in our household, of late, and how much we all feel grounded when we are able to spend time outside in nature. The smells, the sights, the sounds. Each sense is immersed and revitalized.

Of late, these immersions into nature are a gift as there seems to be an increased amount of chaos playing out in our world. I am a beginner student of astrology, and as such, have been using astrology and my intuition to make sense of the chaos playing out around me, both on a “macro” level and on the “micro” level. Understanding how our planets’ energies are affecting us personally and globally has been profound in making sense of the chaos. I know you are all feeling this unease! There is just soooo much right now, right?!

As a result of feeling this unease, I am leaning into all the supports I have discovered over my years of living in this earth school. Nature is a beautiful, free support. Step out, breathe in, and soak in all the colors, sounds, and feels. Even if you can only get in a few minutes, slow down and take notice of your surroundings. Notice how this makes you feel. Does your breath deepen into your low belly? Does your breath slow? Do you find that your thoughts settle a little, and maybe even become quiet? Do you feel energy releasing into the earth beneath you, as you absorb the energy from the earth up into the body? Do you feel the grounding?

Bodywork is another gift for returning you to your centered, grounded Self. Breathwork, journaling, reading from a book instead of a screen, taking mineral baths, and eating seasonal and local foods. These are all so nurturing this time of year.

Just as we return to routine in the Fall, and we make room for the coming months of social obligations and festivities, we are being asked to take inventory of what is serving us as we move with more intention towards our life goals. What needs to be cleared? What needs more of our attention? How can we show up in our most authentic way?

One of my personal favorite supports for sitting with unease is yoga. Yoga, and particularly Yin Yoga, has been the biggest gift in practicing sitting with unease in a mindful way. This practice is invaluable as I navigate the curves and twists that inevitably are Life. My dear teacher of yoga, Krishna, used to say something along these lines: Can you sit in the fire, and not be consumed by it. Rather, can you be transformed? This practice of sitting with unease instead of ignoring it or pushing it away allows for new insights to come, even answers, clarity, and healing. The unease is always temporary.

While there are many benefits of a private, personal yoga practice, Yoga in community is incredibly beautiful, as we share sacred space with other like-minded individuals.

Join me on the third Tuesday evening the month of November and December, Nov 18th and Dec 16th, for a Yin class in which we will mindfully explore the edges of unease. These two classes are designed with the intention of preparing for the coming busy Holiday season.

This practice is an invitation to pause, to step away, and offer yourself the gift of deep rest. We’ll be moving through a series of foundational Yin yoga postures, focusing on stillness, breath, and the present moment rather than muscle engagement.

In Yin, we hold poses for several minutes at a time, allowing gravity and time to gently stretch the deeper connective tissues—our fascia, ligaments, and joints. This practice isn't about doing more; it’s about being more present with what is, including the unease.

Our intention for this session is simple: to help you find a sense of balance, relaxation, and profound rejuvenation. By cultivating this inner calm, you are better equipped to navigate the external demands of the season with grace and a full heart.

This is a limited space, with still some spots open in each class. Click below to book your spot and join the community of Yin Yoga.

These classes are offered at Sound & Yoga, 128 Cassidy Point Dr, 2nd Floor, Portland, ME.

I would LOVE to see you in class with me! I have missed teaching yoga, and I am in awe of the invitations to teach that are opening up. I am being told that it is time.

With Love,

Kalyani Nicole

Ayurveda tips for Late Fall

Fall in Ayurveda is associated with the dosha of Vata. This dosha is comprised mostly of Ether and Air qualities. What are some of these qualities, you ask? Well, think about what Ether is like: Cold, Dry, Space, Subtle… And Air? There is movement, cool, dry, less stable, to name a few. Why does this matter???? Because when we know the characteristics of these elements, we know how to keep this dosha balanced.

Because Vata is responsible for movement, it can change quickly. It can also return to balance just as quickly. In Ayurveda, we know that “Like increases Like.” This means that when we are experiencing coldness, ingesting cold foods, like ice cream, will make us even more cold!

Use the opposites to maintain balance. Warm, nourishing practices and foods are paramount for feeling your best during this season. When in doubt of what foods to choose, eat what is in season locally. Nature knows what is best for us. The foods that are grown locally in the area of the country you live, are full of the nutrients you need.

Some examples for the Northeast US are all the root crops: beets, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, garlic, etc.; apples, applesauce, squashes, to name a few vegetables. Grains (non-go and/or Organic) for Vata are oatmeal, wheat, Quinoa, and Rice. For beans, choose small, like lentils, mung beans, and dhals, which are all great. Enjoy beans cooked with Kombu or Hing to aid in digestion.

Animal proteins like Fish, Beef, and Chicken are grounding in moderation. These are best eaten in soups or stews.

Oil, used internally in cooking and externally for healthy tissues, is not only a great practice for keeping Vata in balance, it is also a great practice for longevity. Vata is responsible for the aging process, as over time, our tissues dry out, causing the tissues of teh body to be less supple. Choose healthy oils, like a good Olive oil for cooking, and ghee. (I have a recipe for Ghee on my website that you can find here.) For external use, Sesame oil is King in Ayurveda! I also like my jojoba oil mixed with an herbal Ayurvedic oil. Reach out to me with personalized external oil suggestions, as well as application instructions.

In general, keep warm (socks on feet and keep the neck covered from cold and wind), by wearing layers. Eat only cooked foods that are warm. Drink warm water and teas!

Fall is one of the BEST times to receive Abhyanga, as the Vata dosha imbalances respond super well to this ancient warm oil massage. If you have yet to receive Abhyanga from me, it may be time! Book your next session below!

As always, I am here as a resource to support you on your path of wellness, in body, mind, and spirit.

XO

Kalyani Nicole