We were in a yoga class the other morning at Keystone Yoga with owner Kristen, and she said, “The yoga pose doesn’t begin until you are ready to leave it.” The funny thing is a week or two after that class, Kim and I couldn’t remember the quote exactly, and I had it in my head as “The yoga pose doesn’t begin until it gets uncomfortable” or “…until it hurts,” but I knew those didn’t seem in the spirit of yoga. So Kristen set me straight. “The yoga pose doesn’t begin until you are ready to leave it.”

And a lot of life is like that. There are plenty of motivational quotes about change and personal improvement that follow the same theme. “It’s only after you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform” is one version from Roy T. Bennet. I think whenever we hear that we cringe. Who really wants to be out of their comfort zone? We like comfort. That cozy place where we know what to expect and what is around us. But it leads to everything staying the same. Nothing changes when we remain in that place or at least we don’t have much of a say in the changes.

With the start of Fall in Florida, what a perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. Try something new. Maybe that means Yoga in the Garden at Kerby’s this Saturday! I’m sure Kristen will guide you into some personal change by leaving you in poses when you are ready to move on. (Remember that’s a good thing, not a bad thing…) Or why not try something new in the garden? Start your own Homegrown National Park® to encourage native pollinators and help Mother Earth (on Oct. 21, we’re having a Pollinator Party where we can help you on this journey). Bring some houseplants inside your home, office, or workspace to bring nature and positive vibes indoors. (On Oct. 28 we can help with that, too!)

Or if gardening is just all new to you, then you are in the right place. Your success is our mission, and learning and teaching is one of my passions. So on October 14, we are hosting a free seminar called New-to-Florida Gardening. If you have gardened for your whole life, but are new to Florida, this seminar is for you. If you’ve lived in Florida your whole life, but never gardened, this seminar is for you, too. It’s a great time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

I can’t wait to hear all about the change, the growth, and the transformations that occur in your life because you were willing to stay in the pose beyond when you were ready to leave it.

P.S. We had our Fall Kickoff this past Saturday, and it was a great beginning to Fall at Kerby’s! We appreciate all of you who joined us! Fall continues with our Pumpkin Patch available daily for picking out pumpkins and taking photos (while supplies last). The Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt is available daily through Halloween, Oct. 31 (during business hours) – come vote for your favorite!