Autumn Wisdom: Finding Balance in the Changing Seasons
As I sit at my desk, watching the rain fall against grey skies, I see a large tree swaying gently in the wind. My voice sounds slightly nasal, and I can feel a minor sniffle building up.
Autumn is in full swing, with winter just around the corner.
Despite its challenges, I enjoy the rhythm of having four distinct seasons each year. Every season carries its own unique energy, and problems arise when we try to work against that natural flow. There's something beautiful about noticing the shifting seasons, a reminder that we, too, are always changing.
Nothing stays the same—and that’s a good thing.
Right now, my challenge is to truly listen to the rhythm of nature and honour what my body needs during this season. What do I actually need at this moment? How is the new season affecting my energy levels? Is there anything I should be doing differently? If so, what is standing in my way?
My greatest challenge is honouring my deep need to slow down; my soul craves it. But the demands of life—bills to pay and goals to achieve—often pull me in the opposite direction. Finding a balance between the two is essential.
I’m reminded of a quote from Katherine May’s Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times: "Doing those deeply unfashionable things—slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential. This is a crossroads we all know, a moment when you need to shed a skin. If you do, you’ll expose all those painful nerve endings and feel so raw that you’ll need to take care of yourself for a while. If you don’t, then that skin will harden around you."
Use the journal prompts below to reflect on your transition into autumn.
JOURNALING PROMPTS
1. Reflect on Nature’s Rhythms
As the trees shed their leaves and the days grow shorter, what lessons can you take from nature's slow transition? How can you allow yourself to embrace a similar rhythm, letting go of what no longer serves you and making space for rest and renewal?
2. Savoring Stillness
Autumn often invites a sense of stillness and quietude. How can you create more intentional moments of pause in your daily life? Describe the ways you can slow down, savor simple pleasures, and be fully present in the season's unfolding.
3. Harvesting Inner Wisdom
Just as autumn is a time of harvest, take a moment to reflect on your personal growth. What have you cultivated within yourself over the past months? How can you slow down and honor the inner wisdom that has emerged through your experiences?
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