Gratitude

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Walking Through Autumn’s Colours to My Yoga Studio

A peaceful autumn garden with colourful leaves, flowers, and a small pond leading to Smitha’s yoga studio.

The garden path to my yoga studio, glowing with the colours of autumn. 🍂

Every morning, as I walk through our garden to my yoga studio, I pause for a moment to breathe it all in — the crisp air, the earthy scent of the leaves, and the soft golden light that autumn brings.

The garden feels especially alive at this time of year. The trees glow in shades of amber and crimson, the grasses sway gently in the breeze, and the last flowers of summer offer their quiet goodbyes. Even the little pond reflects the season’s calm — still, grounded, and full of quiet beauty.

Autumn always reminds me to slow down, to let go, and to trust the natural cycles of change. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too can release what we no longer need — in our practice, in our breath, and in our hearts.

As I step along the path to the studio, I feel immense gratitude — for this space, for the practice of yoga, and for everyone who shares it with me. 🍁

Wishing you a peaceful, grounding autumn. May this season invite you to move with softness, awareness, and gratitude.

With love,

Smitha


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Celebrating Onam with a Traditional Sadya at Chill at Chillies

Smitha enjoying a traditional 23-dish Onam sadya thali at Chill at Chillies, a Kerala restaurant.

A joyful Onam celebration in early September with a 23-dish sadya thali at Chill at Chillies.

In early September, my heart felt so full — and not just from the food! 💛

I had the joy of celebrating Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, with a traditional sadya thali at a wonderful local restaurant called Chill at Chillies. It’s on the Hatfield road, in St Albans.

Served on a banana leaf, this thali had 23 different items, each one prepared with so much care and flavor. From comforting curries and crunchy pickles to payasam for sweetness at the end, every bite reminded me of home and tradition.

For me, festivals like Onam are not only about the food but also about connection, gratitude, and abundance. The sadya is such a beautiful symbol of togetherness, sharing, and the joy of community.

It was so special to pause and honor this celebration — and of course, to savor every dish with a big smile! 🌿

✨ Happy Onam to all who celebrated. May this season bring you joy, prosperity, and peace.

With love and gratitude,

Smitha