Autumn - time to slow down

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October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"


It's a wet and Autumal Sunday afternoon as I write today's blog. You know I quite like this time of year. October is a great month for me as I just love the changes of season that begin
 to occur, the leaves on the trees start to turn from green to golden brown, the low light of the sun, the misty mornings as I look out across the fields at the back of my house...........all signs that let me know its a time to gather and retreat. It's that time of year when I want to wrap up warm, snuggle up on the sofa and hibernate I guess!

I get excited about this time of year, because its time to light a fire and relax at home. I'm lucky enough to have a real fire,for me there's nothing quite like snuggling up with a good book and watching the flickering flames of the fire and feeling the warmth of hearth and home,for me It's one of life's simple pleasures, and it really makes me feel good.

In the evenings I like to light candles and feel that calm "Time to slow down" energy of this time of year. Although I can already see the first signs in the shops, of what will become the hustle and bustle of the run up to Christmas. Away from the high street, if you stop long enough to notice, all of nature is slowing down, gathering in,and making ready for the shorter days to come.

As the days draw in, I notice I feel more sleepy and need more rest, my energy slowing, I know its just the rythmn of nature, the natural cycle.... I sometimes wonder why it's only us humans that seem not to notice the natural flow of the year!
 We seem to be oblivious to the natural rise and fall of energy throughout the different seasons. Sometimes we can be quite hard on ourselves, thinking that we have to operate at the same pace and energy throughout the year, like a machine. But that's just it, we're not machines! whilst of friends in nature flow with the seasons, we forget to. We carry on trying to maintain the same energy of that of high summer.

Why not allow yourself to get a little more in tune with nature?

Instead of becoming frustrated by the shortening days, the cold wind or rainy days, just see it as a sign to slow down, to retreat, to gather and review, to rest and cherish the increased time spent infront of hearth and at home.

I urge you to switch off the TV,put on your fluffy socks and a jumper!
Then light a candle, snuggle up and take a few minutes to look back at your journey this year,
 gather and review, just as the trees let go of their leaves, this is your time to just let go........... allow yourself the time to rest and hibernate!

You may even want to take a moment to take out your journal and capture your thoughts........

What have you gathered along the way this year?
What new opportunities for growth have you embraced?
What is it time to let go of now?
Where do you need to slow down in your life right now?

This is your chance to take stock!

October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.  ~Nova Bair

Until next time,
Make every moment count!
Lisa xx