The Softening Season: Why You Might Need You

By Kelsey Wishik | Catalyst Conscious

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to soften. I was in conversation with a powerful friend, and we both found ourselves navigating similar inner shifts — a pull toward stepping back from the external hustle. Even though we’re doers, creators, and teachers whose work lives in the world, we both felt called to retreat, reassess, and move inward.

We’re capable, yes. But beneath every strong exterior is a deeper, more vulnerable nature — a part that also needs tending, honesty, and stillness.

When the Inner Call Comes

Everyone experiences transitions, quiet reckonings, and subtle inner shifts. Sometimes, we need to slow down, get still, and reconnect with our values — maybe even reassess them altogether. If we don’t, we risk overgiving, overworking, and losing connection with our own tenderness.

Resentment often grows when we don't meet our own needs, and the truth is: balance between inner and outer is essential.

What If You Just Need You?

External support is amazing — vital, even. But sometimes what we need most is our own full attention and compassion. That same love we so easily offer to others? It belongs to us, too.

But this can feel hard. Slowing down challenges our ideas of who we are. We might wonder:

• How do I hold space for this?

• How can I stop fighting what’s happening within me?

• What is this discomfort trying to teach me?

The answers don’t come from fixing or forcing. They come from deep inner listening.

The Practice of Softening

I never teach what I haven’t practiced. And in my own journey, I’ve found that shifting the energy of our practices—whether yoga, meditation, or self-reflection—can be incredibly healing.

Instead of trying to solve or power through with sheer will, we can ask:

• Can I soften?

• Can I listen instead of judge?

• Can I pause and breathe rather than push forward?

We can reorient toward what is benevolent and beautiful, rather than what is broken or demanding. Often, that shift alone is what begins to restore us.

Beautiful Beings Being

When we soften, we remember our deeper nature—not just as doers, but as beings being. It’s radical in a culture that constantly tells us to go, perform, perfect.

But what if we:

• Sat down.

• Put our hands on our hearts.

• Listened to the quiet wisdom of our bodies?

This isn’t just good for us. It’s good for the earth. It creates a culture of sustainability — where we no longer exploit our own energy (or each other’s), and begin to live in deeper harmony with all of life.

A Few Simple Ways to Soften Today

Here are a few gentle invitations you can try if you’re feeling the call inward:

Notice something beautiful — a leaf, the sky, your own breath.💭 Journal Prompt: What would it feel like to give myself permission to not know right now?

You might just be surprised by what arises.

Final Thoughts

After a season of teaching, I’ve taken some weight off my own shoulders. I’ve been learning how much strength lives in the softer way. I am deeply enjoying some time off teaching to tend my relationships, rediscover my personal alignment and practice, writing, tending to my creativity, and watching the flowers! And I want you to know:

You are allowed to soften. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to simply be.

We have the right to softly shine — and the world needs that kind of light.

If you’re craving space to soften and grow, I’d love to walk with you.You can explore current offerings, workshops, and free resources on the site

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

With love,

Kelsey