In many cultures and traditions the fall season is celebrated. For some, it is their favorite time of year. For others, they dread it and wish to be woken up when white shoes can be worn again. It is the time of harvest and stocking up for the winter ahead. It is a time when our bodies and minds call out for a few less busy days and a bit more hunker down time and a nice warm bowl of soup. What’s interesting though is that in our modern world of iPhones and email, citrus in the summer and watermelon in the winter, we have a tendency to lose sight of the seasons. It’s no wonder our overall system can become a little bit resistant or even confused.
Honoring what our bodies really crave at this time of the year can be vitally important to maintaining a feeling of health, wellness, and emotional balance. When I was reminded that over the centuries many cultures have adapted to the change of seasons through a change in activity (rest, yum!), joyous celebration, and nourishing foods I actually felt excited about the fall. What are some things anyone can try to help embrace the season we’re in?
Make time to slow down – even if only a little bit. Perhaps try a 2-minute deep breathing break between meetings, spend time reading a book instead of watching the latest (possibly lame) new shows, or consider trying out a meditation practice or yoga. Try eating at a table and not at your desk. Embrace a weekend nap (watch cats – they are particularly skilled at this)!
Begin some early pruning - Look at your schedule and ask yourself what you want to create for yourself during this moment, this day, or this week? If it is a feeling of lightness, to feel less harried, or similar, ask yourself what your priorities are right now? What can be dropped even if only for a while. Maybe one person in your team can attend the meeting and speak for the others, so you all don’t have to, leaving you more time to attend to a quiet work activity. For more info on how to make meetings more effective, check out the Meeting Revolution presentation from a recent Women’s Network event.
Eat to support seasonal change – Fall is a great time to nourish yourself with warming vegetable-based soups, squash , and root vegetables and for good measure, I’d definitely include a potato or two in that mix. Your body is looking for strength in the cooler, damper months ahead. It’s not only about nutrition but also about how these foods make you feel. Fall calls for warming, comforting foods that can help ease the transition from summer to winter. They not only nourish your body but make you feel cared for and relaxed at a time when your body seeks it.
Spend some time in reflection – this can be a great time of year to plant some ideas and thoughts for when the weather warms up again. What would you like to see blossom in your future? Maybe spend some time with a notebook and pen writing down some ideas. Perhaps go for a quiet walk on your own or with a friend with the intention to speak very little and enjoy the seasonal colors as the leaves begin to change. See what comes up for you and speaks to you in ways that are less about accomplishment and results and more about creating something you enjoy doing, even if just for you. Maybe you’ve wanted to learn to play an instrument, or knit. Perhaps you like to sing and wish you had a few lessons so you don’t need a few beers to get up there when karaoke night comes along. Finding some time regularly in quiet reflection can often help bring some of these joys to the surface.
With the holiday season just around the corner, right now can be a great time to give yourself a little respite to transition from season to season. Try it out and see what comes up for you.
Questions for reflection:
- What does the season of fall conjure up for you?
- Based on the reading above, what might you do for yourself to make it a great season of change?
- Do you feel change will be fairly easy or difficult for you and if so, why?
