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Do you feel the autumn blues?

  • Writer: Mathilde Barbier
    Mathilde Barbier
  • Oct 2, 2023
  • 2 min read

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" Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. Growth requires release - it’s what the trees do. " Ka'ala*

This morning when I opened the window, I felt it … It was suddenly darker, cooler, quieter.


Yes, autumn has arrived.


I know what that means. Less daylight and a chill in the air. We will naturally be drawn to a more inward life. Slower. Calmer. Contemplating perhaps.


Such is the wise rhythm that nature imposes to itself to gently ease into winter.


The change of season comes with shifts in weather, light, mood, and temperature that we frantically try to resist, stretching the summer for as long as we can!


But time has come to connect to ths new season. Autumn brings so much gentleness, wisdom, and energy to share:


A soft transition, allowing time for nature to prepare.


Plants drop their seeds for the wind to disperse.


Trees release their leaves which don’t just fall but fly.


Animals gather food and grow thicker coats.


Many birds prepare their migration journey to warmer places.


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I love autumn and its palettes of colours:


The warmth of orange.

Who would have known there would be so many shades of that uplifting, vibrant, mood enhancing colour. Think amber, mustard, cinnamon, ochre, mandarin.


The richness and sobriety of brown.

You can feel the earthy grounding power ranging from camel, pecan, dark ginger to deep chocolate.


The power of purple, mixing the red hot with calm blue.

Stimulating as you spot it in the heart of a flame or soothing in a brush painting the autumnal sunset.


Research shows that nature is vital for our psychological, physical, and emotional health.[1]

My invitation to you this month:

Honour the cycles of nature


🍁 Embrace autumn and the changes it brings 🍁


Slip into your comfy, waterproof footwear, take your phone out of your pocket (leave it behind or place it in a bag on silent mode) and step outside.

Spending time outdoors will boost your mental health and overall wellbeing in preparation for winter and here are 5 reasons why [2]:

  1. Walking in nature releases feel-good chemicals It doesn’t have to be a power walk, a stroll works just fine

  2. Forest bathing reduces stress [3] Immersing yourself in a forest setting will bring a bubble of calm to a busy week

  3. Getting closer to nature increases self-esteem [4] Actively connect with nature in many ways, talk, write, read about it

  4. Natural light supports healthy brain and eye functions and has a positive impact on sleep Step outside first thing in the morning and take pauses with a moment of natural light

  5. Breathing in the wood essential oil substance from the trees (phytoncides) has a beneficial effect on human immune function[3] Taking in some fresh air is invigorating too. Take time to exhale all worries and concerns, inhale nature’s goodness and new possibilities

And if you live in a city and don’t have easy access to nature, then bring nature to you.

Welcome plants and herbs in pots into your home, choose a picture of nature as a screensaver (we have prepared a few to choose from here), flick through nature magazines, display nature posters of paintings around your home.


This month of October, make a point to find signs of nature wherever you are. Embrace the gentleness of autumn energies and dare to be the change you want to see in your organisation, family, community and life!

EMBRACE AUTUMN'S GENTLENESS


White feather gently floating down towards and open hand

Living gently, no matter what

Bitesize online course


Ease into the change of seasons gently. Sign-up to this short and powerful self-led course to explore 7 facets of gentleness and how they show up in our life. Each day you will receive 5min guided audio, worksheets and a transcript to download and complete at the rhythm that suits you.


Because self-care isn't selfish!

A meaningful and insightful experience to enjoy by yourself or share with family and friends!

References:

* Ka'ala on Instagram @alohakaala

Golden leaf

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