Have I ever told you how much I love October?

A few months hold a close second, but the golden light and deep blue skies of October are the sort of thing my dreams are made of. I could live inside an October day forever.

Today I've been thinking about a meditation I used to lead back in my days of teaching yoga. Learned from Pema Chodron, I've come to love the practice of Tonglen. 

"In tonglen practice, when we see or feel suffering, we breathe in with the notion of completely feeling it, accepting it, and owning it. Then we breathe out, radiating compassion, lovingkindness, freshness; anything that encourages relaxation and openness."

- Pema Chodron

For the month of October, among plenty of leaf crunching, crisp air breathing, and practicing thrift in my kitchen... I'd like to dedicate time to the practice of Tonglen. 

A time of relative quiet is calling. 

October is a gift not to be missed. 

Stepping into the quiet, that's where I'll be.