Lately, I have been thinking about what balance looks like in this new season of my life.

For many years, so much of my daily rhythm revolved around my children, family, work and the endless schedules and responsibilities that come with raising a family. Now, as a recent empty nester, I find myself asking a different question: What does balance look like when those familiar routines begin to change?

I am realizing there may not be one answer.

Inner balance can mean something different from one day to the next. Some days, it may mean taking care of our physical health, moving our bodies and preparing meals that nourish us. Other days, it may mean quieting a busy mind, setting boundaries or making room to rest. It can also mean forgiving someone who has hurt us, forgiving ourselves or finding peace with something we cannot change.

That is what I love about the theme of this September issue. Inner balance is not about achieving some perfect state where everything is neatly aligned. It is about recognizing what we need in a particular moment and finding practices that bring us back to ourselves.

September is also National Yoga Awareness Month, a beautiful complement to that conversation. With roots stretching back thousands of years to ancient India, yoga brings together movement, breath, meditation and self-awareness. Our special yoga section begins on page 9, where we explore this ancient practice and the many ways it continues to evolve.

Throughout Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties, we are fortunate to have a wonderful community of studios, teachers and wellness practitioners. On page 12, Jackie Jackson and Christy Abate share how their Sacred Journey Yoga Teacher Training goes beyond the poses to explore self-discovery, mindfulness, connection and whole-person well-being. Our monthly calendar is also a great resource for finding local classes, workshops and events that may speak to your individual needs.

I also hope you will connect with us in person at the 15th annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 12 at Harbor Point Boardwalk in Stamford. The Event Program, Passport to Life, begins on page 15 and is a helpful resource before, during and after the expo. Please stop by the Natural Awakenings booth and say hello. One of my favorite parts of being publisher is connecting with our readers, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

For me, finding balance right now means turning some attention back toward myself. I want to focus more intentionally on my physical health, movement and the meals I prepare. Most of all, I am learning how to make room for my own personal time after many years when the focus was rarely on me.

I do not know exactly what my new daily balance will look like, and I suspect it will continue to change. Maybe that is the lesson.

We do not have to find balance once and hold onto it forever. We simply have to keep listening, adjusting and asking ourselves: What does inner balance mean to me today?

I hope this issue inspires you to discover your own answer.

Erica Mills, publisher