Seasonal Thoughts; September to December
SLOW-V-EMBER; Finding Balance from Autumn Equinox to Winter Solstice
I like to think of the last 4 months of the year as the 'Ember Months'.
During ‘The Ember Months’, the final four
months of the year, take time to notice the
simple things; whether that’s autumn
doing its amazing thing or the comfort of a
hot cocoa, it’s a time for contemplation
and preparation, nurturing ourselves for
the winter ahead.
We need to find a way to balance our
life choices so that we can enjoy the
delights of the season both spectacular
and simple! Why not try to imagine this
time as Slow-v-ember. Time to slow
things right down and prioritise you.
The children return to school and you finally have time to pick your head up.
Notice what surrounds you.
As the year progresses and Autumn turns to Winter, the natural world reminds us of cycles and balance. The Autumn Equinox, in late September, is the moment when day and night are of equal length. If you’ve ever wondered about the autumn equinox meaning, it’s about harmony; a natural reminder to pause and reflect on how you might restore balance in your own life.
Consider where you could create more space for rest as well as productivity, or for stillness that fits seamlessly alongside daily activity.
As December approaches, we celebrate the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.
Ancient cultures saw this as a time of stillness, renewal, and hope.
For centuries, people in the UK have marked this turning point when the long nights begin to shorten and the light slowly returns.
Many in the UK still celebrate the Solstice at places like Stonehenge, welcoming the sunrise as a symbol of fresh beginnings. You can read more about the history and meaning of the Summer and Winter Solstices on the Royal Museums Greenwich site. I'll link it here for you:
Naturally, whilst maintaining a balanced view, we have to admit that September can go one of two ways ...
For some it means the return of routine, perhaps work or study; the return of clarity, fresh beginnings.
Others may see this as the ideal time to travel or to visit warmer climates, to seek out the last of the summer before the onset of autumn.
Many National Trust pages cover Autumn Walks, Equinox or simply mindful connections with nature; certainly worth investigating at least to ensure that summer's laid-back vibe lingers a little longer. See
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
However it pans out for you, there's a sense of new beginnings. Often our urge to learn something new is strong.
Even the booking of a new course can be satisfying or the start of a new project, a new daily discipline, a plan for this new 'academic year'.
If you’re looking for quick ways to reset your mindset as the seasons shift, you’ll love our "Feel Good in Five" resources. I guarantee you'll learn something new!
For me, I'll be incorporating all the above.
I'm off to Spain for a few weeks in September, to my home in our sweet little village by the sea but as I'm not a sun-worshipper, I'll be embarking on a new project; to teach myself how to create a Podcast.
It's OK, I can do this pool-side, under the awning with my 'Pre-Dinner Drink' to hand.
I'm thinking of calling it PRINKS (as in pre-dinner drinks) ON ICE! What do you think?
I'll finally have some think time and for me, what better way to use it than to create new content.
I'll be rid of the demands of the "To-Do List" and will instead be focussing on my 'Could-Do List'. Feels a lot less pressured, wouldn't you agree?
You see there's a plus side to removing all distraction - you might actually come up with a brilliant idea!
Have Laptop, will travel ...
We'll also have wifi (if I remember to set that up)!
The first thing I'll do is to write my new Newsletter for our Virtual Wellness Hub. If you'd like to check out existing copies that's perfectly possible - see below.
I also wrote recently about How to Cope with Stress as You Age. It's a theme that feels particularly relevant as the nights draw in (which for some, brings with it a sense of anxiety).
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So, a really great way for us to keep in touch is for you to go ahead and grab my free resources which will help you master your mindset, create a sense of balance; become a happier, more productive, more in-the-flow version of YOU.
They are always featured in our seasonal newsletter on the homepage of our Virtual Wellness Hub:
Go ahead and do that now on the above link (then scroll down to the Newsletter Form).
Don't get distracted along the way.
Off you pop!
Enjoy!
