Early fall is one of the most colorful and abundant seasons of the year. The heat of the summer has ceased, and we see the yellow hue in the sky as the sun hits the pumpkin fields and tall grass each afternoon. There is a new rhythm that emerges for many of us. Back to school, letting go of the long summer nights and a chance to begin anew for another year.
This year, I am super heightened and aware of my rhythm with nature, the beginnings of drawing in, and the presence of more structure than I have had all summer. It feels like a new beginning.
This is a great time to create your new flow and to make your rhythm one that ROCKS YOUR WORLD so you can live a life you love.
The air cools, the cooking creativity begins as we celebrate the harvest. There are many ways to connect with the season of Autumn.
Children love to run through the corn maize and carve their pumpkins. Adults often find themselves wanting to cook delicious fall soups and apple pies and take long luscious hikes in the trees.
For thousands of years we have come together over delicious fall feasts connecting with our families and communities as we prepare ourselves for a winter ahead.
Here are a few fall tips you can play with this year to sync up with the nature and ROCK your RHYTHM this fall season. The more we connect to both the universal and individual rhythms the more we can heighten our mind-body connection and our intuition.
1. Gather
The wealth of gorgeous foods in there fullest expression is something to notice this fall. The colors are bright and warming to the soul. Our natural tendency is to gather the goods for the cold and dark winter to come.
Saving seeds for the following spring, storing root vegetables to make into yummy crock-pot meals, and canning some of falls delights make for fun family projects.
2. Transform
As the leaves fall to the ground in their bright orange and reds, there is a sense of letting go to acknowledge. Autumn is the time of transformation between the growth of summer and the dormancy of winter. Things are winding down, and once the harvest is complete, there is an opportunity to follow the inward flow to self-inquiry and discovery. If you have something to let go of, autumn is a perfect time to initiate this process. Break up with what is not working in your life and allow the season to carry it to it’s full release.
3. Breathe
Fall is known as the season associated with the lungs in Chinese medicine. Often a time when children come home from school with upper respiratory coughs and weakness as the weather changes. It is important to strengthen the lungs in the fall. This can be done is a variety of ways but here are a few of my favorites:
- Make sure you exercise regularly. Pump the lungs often so they are strong and cleansed with rigorous life giving breath. Getting as much fresh air in nature while the sun is still warm is a wonderful place to practice breathing deep and full.
- Many foods in the fall are known to support the lungs. Root vegetables such as onions, leeks, and ginger are supportive to the lungs. Fruits such as apples and pears care for the lung tissue as well. Eating with the season is perfect to create healthy lungs.
- Keep warm. As the cooler nights come rolling in, make sure you are dressed for the season NOT the day. Keep those lungs warm and cozy and you will naturally boost your immune system.
4. Ground
As you watch the leaves begin to turn and fall from the trees and becoming the earth‘s nutrients for next years planting, it is more obvious that fall has the energetics that flow downward and inward (as opposed the upward and outward energetics in the spring). What are the aspects of your life that ground you? Make a list and practice these grounding activities regularly in the fall.
It is a nice time to take long walks in the colorful forest with feel the leaves crunching under your feet.
These small autumn rituals and habits help us harmonize ourselves with Autumn. It is natural to sleep more, rest more, and begin to tune more inward towards introspection and healing.
5. Celebrate
Lush sunflowers, tucked in with the plump orange pumpkins is an abundance to celebrate. The colors, foods, and celebrations of fall are in full abundance. There is much gratitude to be observed in the beauty of the harvest.
Set a seasonal outdoor table rich with a cornucopia of color and natures gifts to warm the heart of any celebration. Share a gratitude blessing before your meals, as it promotes health and happiness.
Light a bonfire to take away the chill of the evening and join in a circle of friends celebrating fall in its glory.
Take it in! The abundance is around your and within you. Your only job is to notice and appreciate its radiance.