Here in the Black Hills, autumn has its own quiet beauty. Trees turn gold and crimson before gently letting their leaves fall, reminding us that release is a natural part of life. At Sol Yoga Collective, we often turn to this season as a teacher. Just as the trees shed what they no longer need, yoga invites us to practice aparigraha—the art of letting go.
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means making space. On the mat, that might look like unclenching the jaw, softening the shoulders, or releasing the idea that you have to “nail” every pose. In daily life, it might mean loosening your grip on a habit that drains you, a thought pattern that keeps you stuck, or even the pressure to carry more than is yours to hold. Through mindful movement and breath, yoga helps us notice where we’re holding on too tightly and gives us the courage to let it fall away.
Breath is one of the simplest and most powerful tools for this practice. Every inhale invites us to take in nourishment; every exhale gives us a chance to release. With each forward fold or gentle twist, we can mirror the trees around us—shedding what no longer serves us with patience and grace. Over time, these small acts of release build resilience, reminding us that we don’t have to carry everything into the next season.
Sometimes letting go feels subtle, like a little more ease in the body. Other times, it can feel like a big shift—realizing that the way we push on the mat mirrors the way we push ourselves in life. Yoga becomes a mirror, showing us patterns of clinging or forcing, and offering a kinder alternative: curiosity, presence, and choice.
At Sol, our mission is to create space for everyone to explore practices like this. Because we’re donation-based, cost is never a barrier. Our hope is to connect more people in and around Rapid City with yoga as a tool for grounding, healing, and growth—especially during seasons of change.
This autumn, as you notice the leaves falling outside your window, consider what you’re ready to set down. Through breath, movement, and community, let your practice help you release and prepare for what’s next. When we let go, we make space for renewal.
In letting go, I return to peace.