?We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away?. ? Chuang Tzu
Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color in many parts of the United States. From dark greens, yellows and reds, different shadows of brown, the leaves transform, showing their rich and vibrant hues. Depending of where you are on the globe, fall brings different memories and feelings.
What is fall for you?
Is it a time for reflection and going within?
Or maybe the colors make you so vibrant and open-hearted that you want to spend most of your time outside and share your joy?
Many people become sentimental in October, and family gathering and memories come up as the holidays approach. As we feel the change of season, we might miss our relatives that have passed and are no longer here to celebrate the holidays with us. We might have memories which connect us to love and gratitude and makes us smile.
As the season alters your mood, being present is a little ?Autumn Gift? you can give to yourself to help experience inner peace and a feeling of being centered and connected.
Here are 6 Mindfulness Rituals for Autumn:
Walk slowly. Take breaks throughout the day, even for few minutes and walk slowly while looking at the trees. Pay attention to the colors, allow yourself to stop and enjoy the change of season. Stand in your backyard for 5 minutes, mindfully looking around.
Drink your tea slowly. As the weather changes and it is less warm outside, treat yoruself with some new teas, different flavors, different types and drink at least one cup of tea every day, Drink mindfully, noticing how the cup feels in your hand and paying attention to how it makes you feel, without doing anything else at the same time. Just you and the tea.
Look at someone gratefully. Each day, find someone you care about. Instead of just seeing what you always see, really look at the person. (Try not to be creepy!) See this person for the miracle that they are, and be grateful for their existence. If you’re feeling generous, tell that person how thankful you are for them.
Stare at a tree (or even at a picture of an autumn tree) or the leaves on the ground, for 5 minutes each day. Just sit in silence. Become aware of your thoughts. Focus on your breathing. Notice the world around you. Ask yourself in what ways does this tree represent you?
Get centered by raking your leaves. Raking the leaves doesn’t have to be a forced job on your to-do-list. See it as an opportunity to use a repetitive motion, with a consistent sound supported by the beauty of the colors, as an act of centering. Be in the moment and allow your head to be clear of worries and concerns and to simply rake the leaves. It will relax you automatically.
Start each day with your daily autumn intention: Today, I let go of?.. and I welcome?.
Remind yourself that the change of season is a letting go of the old and an invitation for the new to unfold. Every day, set the intention to let go of something small and invite something new into your life.
Here are some examples ? take it and make it your own:
I let go of hurrying and I welcome slowing down
I let go of being stuck and I welcome growth
I let go of old clothes and I welcome new ones
Which rituals are you going to adopt?
What is your daily intention for today?
Write me back. Would love to hear from you.
As always Michal you always imspire me.
My new way is ging to be lettig go of the old and moving to the new.
I totally connect with your tea ritual! When the weather changes I welcome enjoying my favorite teas again – they are like old comforting friends.
My intentions are to believe in myself as a healer, not get bogged down by my insecurities, and create a successful practice.
How about creating an affirmation to remind you of your intention, Malkie? Maybe something like: Confident, I believe in myself and I create a successful business. Of course you can change it an make it your own. Phrase it in a way that will make you empowered and confident. One of my favorite principles is “Energy attracts like energy”. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. I believe in you!