Focus your Mind Body and Soul this Autumn. Each seasonal turn reminds me of time passing, but none more so than the Fall.
I am always very aware of the transition from the warm balmy evenings (if we are lucky) of the summer months to the cooler and fresher air. The days are noticeably shorter and my wardrobe has to expand to include additional layers.
This year it is especially noticeable for me because I have some decisions to make about my way forward, so it seems very apt to remind everyone of the symbolism of the Autumn Equinox.
I also want to encourage you to approach the next few weeks with a holistic mindset which is why I have entitled this article ‘Focus your mind body and soul this autumn’. So often we only pay attention to one or two aspects of the season whereas you could use it to prompt a complete rethink, if necessary.
Some interesting facts about Autumn
Natures Transformation:
The first signs of transformation are subtle, but soon become a relentless drive towards a new season. The air becomes crisp and, this brings relief for me from the nights I couldn’t sleep so although the season starts to enter the time leading to hibernation, for now I have more energy and focus because there is a lot to do and the days are shorter.
The biggest change that Autumn brings are the colours. The change from lush greens to the warm rich embrace of golds and reds. Strangely though, this beauty comes about from the flowers setting their seeds and leaves capturing the old toxins from the trees and shrubs to provide a cleansed space for nature to rest and prepare for next year.
From my perspective I am reminded to start the process of considering what I might usefully cast off so I can set clear and uncluttered goals for next year.
Time Passing:
I don’t think there is anyone alive who doesn’t become viscerally aware of the passage of time from time to time. For each of us there are certain personal milestones that remind us of another year under our belt. Seasons are definitely one aspect of time passing and it certainly seems to fly by faster every year.
This is a great opportunity to ask yourself if you need to make any changes to any aspect of your life.
Harvest and Abundance:
As the old season draws to an end the farmers are rushing to get in the crops. Sometimes juggling the weather, trying forecast the future to reap the best rewards. I love every season for foraging, but the challenge of harvesting the fruits of the season and then making sure they are not wasted can be a real race. Finding time and space in the larder to store all the jars for the coming year which precedes a sense of accomplishment and security.
Taking this to a more holistic level, remember to acknowledge what you have learned this year, how you have developed and how you have replenished and expanded your knowledge and capabilities. These are all things to treasure, and spend time reflecting on when you a cosy and safe during the cooler months.
Seasonal Goals:
Every season lends itself to setting new goals, reminding us that that clock doesn’t stop. Sometimes my goals might include many seasons (or years) but the immediate future is so important because if I have a goal and don’t take action it is useless.
For me, this season is even more poignant that usual because I have to make some personal decisions about my life (retirement is creeping up) and where I want to focus my energy.
Therefore I am most definitely spending time acknowledging what I love (which is almost inevitably what I am best at) and identifying what I am not ready to discard.
Preparation for Winter:
Autumn always leads into Winter and New Year, so now is when I start planning and preparing for new goals. The longer nights encourage me to contemplate not only career, but personal, intellectual and spiritual goals as well.
Prior to New Year I am giving myself space to think about my:
- Health – what do I want to do to become as healthy and fit as possible
- Friends and Family – Have I neglected anyone in this area and how will I change that – starting now!
- Attitude – I will reflect on whether I feel proud of myself or now, and how I might benefit from changing my attitude in any areas (this definitely leads into more Mindfulness Practices) – see Mindset Exercise
- Career – where might I want to make changes to my work?
- Personal Growth – what new interests and practices do I want to spend more time on, and how do I want to do that, with others, online ….? etc
I could add more categories, and indeed will do so when drilling down into the detail. It will happen naturally when I start to visualise my goals which will move vague dreams into more realistic and achievable expectations.
In summary the Autumn is a place of abundance and energy, with an undertone of nostalgia. However, because it is also a bridge between what has gone before and what is to come, it is also a time to focus Mind, Body & Soul, using the natural symbolism, the changing environment, and the feelings it evokes to generate thoughts about making changes to your life. It’s a season that encourages reflection and adaptation, making it an ideal time to assess your goals, priorities, and aspirations.