After the wide open craziness of summer, slowing down in fall helps us regain our center, balance and rhythm. This is a time of conservation and accumulation. As we look outside, all of the four-legged creatures are in preparation mode, gathering nuts and other foods so they have plenty of fuel for the winter months. Thankfully, our two-legged farmers are doing the same thing for the rest of us.
Autumn is one of the most powerful times of the year for experiencing grief and loss. Letting go of the past is often an unpracticed exercise that can weigh heavily on our hearts. Other times moving on can be a liberating step that frees us from unneeded burdens.
On the other side of the coin, what do we need to keep and take with us in to the next year? Autumn is a great time to sit back and reflect on our year thus far as well as all the years that have gone by. What were the gems that we want to hold on to and what can we eliminate? What new wisdoms have we acquired this year? How will we use them to serve ourselves and others?
Fall is a time of values. Weddings, harvest celebrations, religious holidays, family gatherings, and even Halloween (an event originally created to honor the dead), point to our need to celebrate our cultural and personal values.
9 emotional and physical health and wellness tips for the fall season:
- Give yourself permission to slow down from your summer activities.
- Spend time contemplating your values.
- Schedule time to spend with the people you care about.
- Give your organs a break and try a detoxifying cleanse.
- Notice the changes in nature and the changes in you.
- Create a space for meditation or contemplation time.
- Allow yourself the room needed to experience any grief or sadness you may have in your heart.
- Try a new root vegetable.
- Let go of any thing that is no longer serving you.