I grew up in a family that was, at best, Jewish-lite. We held Passover seders while chomping on Italian bread and ordered Chinese food on Hannukah. But there were little nuggets of spiritual reflection tossed into my nontraditional and secular spiritual life. And as I go deeper into my yoga practice, I see more and more crossover between my Jewish cultural upbringing and the Indian and Buddhist customs we yogis partake in—like finding joy in singing in a language I don't fully understand, considering charity a central part of my spiritual practice, and fasting to cleanse the body and soul.

I mention this because this week marks a special time in the Jewish calendar. It's the week between Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. The main idea behind the week is forgiveness: asking for it and doling it out. It's also about making mental notes of what we'd like to change or usher in. All very yogic concepts.

This time of year is considered auspicious and meditative in other cultures, as well. Both the Muslim month of Ramadan (a time of forgiveness, prayer, and purification) and the Hindu holiday of Pitr-paksha (a two-week celebration of one's ancestors) just came to a close. It's also autumn, which means it's getting colder and darker: In short, a time to go inward.

Looking for some yogic ways to celebrate this time of year? Here are a few ideas:

+ Do the four-day Samavesha course or the AcroYoga intensive, both at Yoga Tree this weekend. Samavesha (which starts Thursday) is a meditative and introspective retreat-like workshop offered in the Tantrik lineage; AcroYoga is a fun and invigorating practice that teaches you to trust others to support you.

+ Spend Yom Kippur with one of the inclusive and progressive temples in the city, like Keneset Halev, which includes kirtan and meditation in its services. The services are held in Golden Gate park on October 8 and 9.

+ Take the Karma and Meditation workshop with Ravi Nathwani this Sunday at the Mindful Body.

And please write in and tell us what is the most auspicious or transforming time of year for you!