Falling Into Alignment

Autumn in the Highlands: A Solo Journey into the Sacred Slowness of Fall

The mountains in Highlands, North Carolina have a way of speaking—softly but clearly. In the hush of autumn, they offer their wisdom in golds and ambers, in the rustle of leaves underfoot, in the scent of woodsmoke and wet earth. I came here alone, not to escape my life, but to return to myself. To let the stillness teach me what constant striving never could.

Fall in the Highlands feels sacred. It’s not just the scenery—it’s the invitation. The invitation to listen inward, to walk slower, to feel more deeply. The trees do not resist the changing season. They release what no longer serves them with astonishing grace. Watching them, I began to wonder: What am I holding onto that I’m being asked to release?

A Season of Soulful Shedding

I wandered through tree-lined paths and quiet back roads, letting my thoughts unfurl with every step. No agenda. No hurry. Just me and the landscape, which felt more like a companion than a backdrop. With every golden leaf that fell, I was reminded: letting go isn’t loss—it’s alignment.

In our fast-paced world, it can feel like slowing down is some kind of failure. But the forest tells a different story. The trees know that rest is part of growth. That silence is part of wisdom. That shedding old layers is necessary for new life to emerge.

So I gave myself permission to be still. To cry when I needed to. To laugh out loud with no one around. To wrap myself in a blanket of mountain air and breathe like it was prayer.

Ancestral Echoes in the Appalachians

Something about these mountains feels ancient. Holy. Like they remember what we’ve forgotten. In moments of quiet, I felt the presence of my foremothers—those who walked before me, who carried burdens I’ll never know and wisdom I’m only just beginning to understand. I could feel them in the wind, in the hush of the forest, in the flame of the fireplace as I journaled in solitude.

Their whispers found me:You don’t have to prove your worth.You are allowed to rest.You are allowed to change.

And maybe that’s what fall is really about—not just shedding, but softening. Not just letting go, but listening. Not just dying, but preparing for what’s next.

Feminine Reflection in a Season of Transition

This annual pilgrimage wasn’t about the destination. It was about remembering the rhythm of my own soul. The Highlands held space for that—space to be tender, to feel both strong and soft, to reconnect with the divine feminine that speaks in cycles, not schedules.

As women, we carry so much. We hold stories, expectations, generations of silence. But here in the slowness of autumn, I felt that weight ease. I remembered that alignment doesn’t come from effort—it comes from truth. From returning home to the parts of yourself you’ve tucked away.

Soul Notes from the Season

• Trust the cycles. Not everything is meant to bloom all the time.

• Rest is sacred. Let yourself be refilled, not just productive.

• Let go gently. Like the leaves, trust that release makes space for rebirth.

• Your ancestors walk with you. You are never truly alone.

• Your becoming is not behind. You are right on time.

Journal Prompt:

What part of me is ready to fall away—and what truth might rise in its place?

Closing Reflection:Fall in the Highlands reminded me that surrender isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. There is a sacred rhythm to this life, and sometimes we only hear it when we stop long enough to listen. If you’re feeling untethered, overwhelmed, or simply in need of stillness, find your way to the trees. Let them teach you. Let yourself be realigned by the quiet beauty of letting go.

Recommendations:

Where I Stay: My Go-To in the Highlands

Whenever I visit Highlands, Old Edwards Inn is my home away from home. Tucked right in the heart of downtown, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and quiet elegance—ideal for solo retreats, cozy evenings by the fire, and moments of deep reflection. Whether you’re soaking in a clawfoot tub or sipping tea on a mountain-view porch, the space holds you gently while you do your inner work. I’ve stayed in a variety of their rooms and my favorites are the Falls Cottage One Bedroom Suite, Falls Cottage King Suite and the Spa Suite all of which come with cozy fire places and soaking tubs. The Spa at Old Edwards is incredible!! www.oldedwardsinn.com

My Favorite Places in Highlands

Highlands invites you to slow down, savor, and delight in the simple luxuries that nourish the soul. Every time I return, I find myself drawn to the same beloved spots.

Dinner at Ristorante Paoletti is always a must—their handmade pastas and intimate ambiance make it the perfect place to end a reflective day. For breakfast, Madison’s is my favorite. There’s something grounding about sipping coffee while the morning light pours in, surrounded by the soft hum of mountain quiet.

When I’m in the mood for something casual yet delicious, I can’t resist the charcuterie board at Four65 Bistro, especially when paired with a glass of wine and a cozy seat by the fire.

Wolfgang’s offers refined Southern-German fare that feels both comforting and elevated—perfect for a solo dinner that feels like a celebration. And speaking of wine, Highlands Wine Shoppe is a peaceful place to taste, browse, and chat with locals. I’ve discovered some of my favorite bottles there.

I always carve out time to visit Silver Eagle Gallery, where I find crystals that seem to speak directly to whatever season I’m in. Their energy carries the memory of the mountains long after I’ve left.

For something sweet and indulgent, Edelweiss serves up decadent desserts that feel like a reward for simply showing up to your own life. A short drive away, Cashiers Farmers Market offers fresh produce, homemade jams, and the kind of mountain-town charm that grounds you in the present moment.

No trip to Highlands is complete without time in nature. The waterfalls—Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Bridal Veil Falls—are more than just scenic stops; they’re soul medicine. And when I need artistic inspiration, I stop by The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, where creativity and Appalachian heritage come together in the most beautiful ways.

Each of these places offers its own kind of restoration, and together, they create the rhythm of a retreat I return to again and again.