“If there is any wisdom running through my life now, in my walking on this earth, it came from listening in the Great Silence to the stones, trees, space, the wild animals, to the pulse of all life as my heartbeat.”
– Vijali Hamilton
The temperature is cooling, daylight hours are shortening, leaves have fallen, migration has happened and plants have ceased their growth. Nature is slowing down. Many of us humans, however, are heading into a busy season with some big holidays on the way. It can feel fun and festive, fast-paced and sometimes even a bit overwhelming. For some it can be a season of mixed or difficult emotions. Tuning in to what’s occurring in nature and following her lead can help us embrace what each season as to offer.
So what lessons does nature have to offer during the fall? These are a few to take to heart (plus some suggestions for related reads, of course)…
Bird’s Nest Fungi – one of the many wonders to notice around the library when you slow down.
Slow Down
Everyone, including nature, needs periods of restorative rest; time to be still and quiet; time to observe and reflect; time to make meaningful connections. Make time in your day to slow down. Be intentional about observing what’s going on around you. Pause to notice the little things.
Slowing Down to the Speed of Life
Embrace Change
Change is necessary for growth and brings with it opportunity. Change is also inevitable. Sometimes it is slow and barely perceptible, others time it happens more quickly than we can keep pace with. Moving through change with an open heart and mind may help you find the beauty in it. Or at least to find some acceptance of it.
Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom
Let Go
Organize your priorities so you know what is most deserving of your time. This applies to your thoughts, attitudes and relationships as well as your to-do list and social calendar. Letting go of that which no longer serves you frees up energy and space for more of what nurtures you. Like the trees, let go and focus your energies on new growth.
Nurture Your Roots
Even in this season of slowing down, growth continues. Trees focus their energies on their roots and seek out much needed nourishment. Consider how you might strengthen your own roots. Perhaps you’ll do so by being more present and engaged with loved ones. Maybe you’ll make special time to honor your ancestors and reflect on their impact on your life. Perhaps you’ll revive some familial/cultural traditions or create new rituals to incorporate into your day. Maybe adopt a hygge lifestyle. Whatever it looks like for you, this is the perfect season to be intentional about nurturing your roots.
hygge: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). source
The little book of hygge : Danish secrets to happy living
How to hygge : the Nordic secrets to a happy life
Be Grateful
Fall celebrations are a way to express gratitude for nature’s final bounty and recognize the efforts of the hard work in prior seasons. Preserve the feeling of the season by cultivating a practice of gratitude in your daily life. Be mindful of small blessings in your life, things that make you feel good and you appreciate, and intentionally give thanks. Over time you may begin to notice an enhanced sense of well-being.
Until next time, stay curious & get outside to notice nature!