Simple Ways to Let Autumn Relax Your Spirit
In autumn nature points the way to shorter days and the earthy colours, bathed in the crisp coolness of the air. These are all ways autumn says, “Relax. I’ve got you.”
*Having lived on both sides of the Atlantic, I use the term ‘Autumn’ and ‘Fall’ interchangeably.
Contents
Autumn Magic
In the west, we have weakened the connection between our energy and nature. The ebb and flow of time is measured by our working day and how many things we can get done in what seems to be an ever decreasing amount of time. The autumn equinox is from 22nd September in the Northern Hemisphere to December 21st, 2024.
Whatever our relationship with nature, it will always provide for us, starting with an encouraging sunrise, a dance of crimson red colour on deciduous trees until they lie exhausted and bare, gathering strength for coming year. Once you have worked on the leaves and put the garden to bed, nature is your guide as to how to experience the season.
We learn from the hermetic principle, ” As within, so without, as above, so below, as the universe, so the soul.” how our energy is connected through nature and how it relates to changes in the environment. There are ways to help that relationship in modern times, where technology, if used responsibly improves our knowledge and communication abilities. In contrast, it can also decrease our natural responses.
We want the very best for ourselves in all seasons, and fall is a time for conserving the best of the harvest in preparation for what is to come. By the same token, we let go of things which no longer serve us, allowing them fall away like the leaves from a tree.
It is a time to embrace our creative side, whether that be via crafts, food, or by example, let nature be your prompt for creative writing.
Autumn is a time that invites us to mirror the season. A time to shed what no longer serves us, which can be used in readiness for the coming winter. One thing I have learned from nature is that we are the creators of our reality.
The time of harvest and preparation for the winter months. The harvest moon at this time allows farmers the extra time and light to get the last crops in.
Do you feel down in the dumps as the season gets darker? You leave for work in the dark and you come home in the dark, if you live areas where with the time change. It’s the body’s way of adjusting to the change, which counteracts with the way we live in a modern city. It is hard to slow down with the season.
Take care of yourself first. Yes! That is you. Nurture and harvest your gifts, and keep them in store for the coming months. Here are some suggestions for fall magic:
Bring in some Scents
In fall the last of our favorite summer scents vanish, and the air is filled with earthy decay. One way to reward our olfactory senses is to bring the outdoor smells inside via aromatherapy. Research has confirmed that aromatherapy can have health benefits.
Aromatherapy is an ancient and established practice in many cultures, where balms, resins, and oils provide a positive healing energy.
Modern aromatherapy is said to have begun with French chemical engineer, Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé, who researched cosmetic and medicinal uses of essential oils. We get to choose our favorite plant fragrance to enhance our mood and health.
Resources
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook – Susanne Fischer-Rizzi (Public Library)
René-Maurice Gattefosse Foundation
Canning and Preserves
Bring out the mason jars. If you have been following me, you will know that canning and preserving is something I believe is a useful and necessary skill. I have always preserved on a small scale however, as I gain more confidence I am filling the pantry with more delectable delights.
There are several different methods to choose from and each depends on individual taste, available storage space, and the amount of initial financial outlay you are prepared to undertake.
Here is a list of the various methods:
- Freezing
- Fermenting
- Dehydration
- Pickling
- Water bath canning
- Pressure bath canning
Whatever method you choose, make it work for you. When canning, it is a good idea to learn the safety precautions around the process you choose. Just because the Amish do it that way does not mean it will work for you, and you will learn why it probably works for them.
Resources
Ball Jars Canning
Knitting
Maybe you want to relax indoors and work on crafts which relate to nature? Once a popular pastime and survival skill, knitting is a great pastime once you have mastered certain techniques. I was taught as a child by an aunt who picked up her skills while living in Scotland. It is a very creative outlet from which people can still benefit.
Although you may want to connect to nature through the natural yarns, note that there is ongoing research to find alternatives to sheep wool due to environmental concerns. Knitted clothing withstands the test of time, in addition to providing classic garments which bypass the fast fashion industry. Yarn blends such as merino and Tencel are gaining traction in the market, but are still comparatively expensive. Do your own research and find what works for you.
If you can sit and text, or binge watch TV shows, then you will find knitting can increase your dexterity and boost your creative energy. Whatever your skill level, there are many free tutorials out there.
If you want to cut costs initially, to make sure that you want to pursue this pastime, start small, go slow and be patient. Check out the thrift stores as they always have interesting remnants from various types of wool, from angora to sheep, as well as various knitting needles.
So try it, if you start now you may have enough time to knit yourself a Christmas sweater, gloves, hat, and of course, a scarf.
Resources
Nature Journaling
There is nothing like putting pen to paper, the hand brain connection of letting your thoughts flow in cursive script. Double that pleasure with nature journaling. This can be done by yourself or as an activity with children or grandchildren.
People think that they have to be good artists to keep a nature journal, but that’s not true. A journal is your record, your creativity. The more you do it, the more your recording abilities improve.
When you go for a walk in the fall you will notice amid the colors, berries are on full display, like Holly which is a true sign of the season. These are great to record in your journal as it will also help you learn which ones are edible, in addition to one that make good preserves.
It is not wise to eat unfamiliar berries until you are sure they are safe. Your journal will be therapeutic and informative, full of your nature experiences.
Resources
Fall Photographs
There is nothing like fall colours so don’t be afraid to reach for your camera, or phone to capture some great shots. Even when the leaves have gone, remember the evergreens and berries which can provide interesting compositions. Maybe you you can capture photos good enough to make your own Holiday cards. Canva is a great resource for this, and the free version (which I use myself) will probably give all you need.
Resources
Final thoughts…
Fall is a time to take our lead from nature, where we slow down and conserve our energy. Equally important, it is a time to prepare, in the northern hemisphere, for darker, colder days, when fresh food is less abundant.
The burst of fall colours is a signal to release your creativity as well as enjoy the benefits of some of the activities detailed here. There are probably many more ideas you can think of to enhance the joy of fall, so get out there and enjoy.
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