The seasons are shifting here in the Southern Hemisphere. Autumn has arrived. The mornings are brisk and chilly, with a hint of frost, while the days are often sunny and mild. Some of the leaves are turning shades of red, and yellow, whilst others are turning brown or dropping off their limbs without even changing.
As someone who finds transitions challenging, I notice this time of shifting seasons stretches me in uncomfortable ways.
Difficulty with transitions
What clothes will I wear given that the day will likely include multiple weather offerings?
How will I readjust my routine now that the days are getting shorter?
When will I walk the dog?
When will I manage to get a snippet of sunshine?
And..where on earth are my warm knits?
Embracing a seasonal mindset
Please don’t get me wrong, I do love Autumn. I find that with all of the changing seasons, embracing a ‘seasonal mindset’ helps me transition into the changing rhythms of the day so much easier.
Cosying up and leaning into hygge vibes. Finding those cosy knits and enjoying putting them on again – almost like a soft, warm hug from an old friend.
Walking around my local area and noticing the changes in nature.
Seedpods drying in the sun, chillis ripening on their compact bushes, dry leaves crunching underfoot.
The smell of the earth following a scattering of rain, leaning into comforting recipes and noticing the changing array of vegetables available in the fruit stands.
A part of me notices the losses that come with each changing season, such as saying goodbye to the predictable warmth of summer, the long balmy evenings, the abundance of nature and summer fruits, and long walks with my dog. These losses, however, open up space to invite in those aspects of the shifting seasons that we can connect with.
That nurtures us and gives us space to shift our routine with the changing rhythms. In this case, offering us space to slow down, notice and appreciate what is around us.
How do you lean into a seasonal mindset with the changing rhythms?
-Chris