Casual | Ritual
Casual | Ritual is a bi-monthly gathering for those drawn to connection, spirituality, and self-development. Each month, we welcome a guest practitioner to share their gifts and perspective with our community.
THE ART OF SOFTENING
An Autumn Journey of Rest, Release & Renewal with Lee Schardein
Thursday, Oct 1st | 6:30-8:00 PM
Guided Place at The Kula Center
As we settle into autumn, the season invites us to slow down, turn inward, and notice what we are ready to carry forward and what we may be ready to release.
For this Casual | Ritual, Lee will guide us out of the pace of everyday life and into a slower rhythm of rest, reflection, and reconnection. Through gentle movement, supported stretching, intentional breathing, and guided meditation, we will create space to settle into the body and soften some of the tension we have been holding.
The experience will unfold slowly, with comfortable, floor-based shapes held for longer periods of time and moments of quiet woven throughout. You will be invited to notice sensation, follow your body’s cues, and make adjustments based on what feels supportive to you.
From there, Lee will guide us through a meditation inspired by autumn’s invitation to turn inward. Together, we will explore what it feels like to meet this seasonal shift through the body. What are we ready to carry forward? What might we be ready to set down? What becomes easier to hear when we give ourselves permission to become still?
Think of the evening as a long e x h a l e.
A chance to step away from doing and spend time simply being. To reconnect with your body, quiet some of the outside noise, and create space for whatever this new season may be asking of you.
There is nothing to achieve and no need to push your body. You will be encouraged to listen inward, make adjustments, and choose what feels supportive throughout the experience.
What to expect:
No previous movement or meditation experience is needed. This practice is not about flexibility or doing anything “right.” It is an invitation to slow down, notice what is present, and listen to your body with curiosity and care.
A slow, gentle, floor-based experience with Lee
Comfortable stretches and supported resting shapes
Intentional breathing and guided body awareness
Longer pauses that offer the body time to settle
Options for adapting each shape to your comfort
A guided Fall Equinox meditation
Seasonal reflection around balance, release, and turning inward
A deeply restful closing with time to transition back slowly
What to bring:
Please bring anything that will help you feel comfortable resting on the floor.
A yoga or movement mat
Comfortable clothing you can easily move and rest in
Water
A blanket, pillow, or bolster if you would like additional support and comfort
Why join?
Nature does not remain in a constant state of growth. Autumn reminds us that there are seasons for expanding and seasons for releasing, resting, and drawing our energy inward.
So much of modern life asks us to keep moving, producing, responding, and holding everything together. This evening offers another possibility: permission to pause and notice what your body may be asking for.
Through gentle movement, stretching, breath, meditation, and seasonal reflection, we will create a small ritual for reconnecting with ourselves and meeting autumn with intention.
Come exactly as you are. Leave a little softer, a little quieter, and perhaps carrying a little less.
Details:
Date & Time: Thursday, 10/01/26, 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Guided Place is located inside The Kula Center 802 E. M arket St, New Albany, IN 47150
$29 Ticket | Limited Space Available.
Learn More About Lee Schardein: https://leemarieyoga.com/