Slowing Down with the Seasons: Intentional Practices for Autumn

We have the most beautiful summers here in the Portland Metropolitan area! I think many of us have a tendency to pack our summer schedules so that we can savor the warmth and sunshine before the rainy season hits. 

I find myself slowly transitioning to Fall as the leaves are just starting to change color.  I love all the fall sweaters and scents of apples and pumpkin! The word intention has been on my mind lately not only as I work with clients but I reflect and plan for this next season.  

 As I think about this next season and begin to prepare for my family to grow (My husband and I are expecting a baby boy at the end of November) I wanted to compile a short list of some of the things I am doing with intentionality to welcome fall and intentionally slow down:

Daily Meditation: I have been doing a regular meditation practice for the past 2 years.  I would say that I am most consistently doing 5 minutes but am going to increase this to 10 minutes so that I can bring more awareness to the present moment and more mindfully recalibrate my nervous system as I move into a season of welcomed change and growth.

Candles and essential oils:  One evening routine that I am going to lean into this fall is to light candles when I come home after work.  I enjoy cooking with the scent and flicker of the flame and there is something cozy and comforting about relaxing into the evening this way.  I also just got a shipment of a few new Snow Lotus essential oils that I am excited to integrate into my day. I recently purchased lavender-Bulgaria, Meditation (sweet- woody blend), and Worry Free (sweet green, calming blend).  

Yoga: I enjoy practicing yoga and tend to practice more in the winter since I prefer to be outside in the spring and summer.  I’m adding a few classes to my fall movement routine to help be more intentional about my practice and help my body come into more of a restorative and relaxing state.

Reading: I love to read and at any given time am reading between 2-5 books simultaneously.  I have a difficult time picking one and I enjoy picking up the book that I am in the mood for that day.  One book that I am adding to my fall/winter reading is Braiding Sweetgrass.  

Fall Hikes: I love to see the leaves change color and feel the crisp fall air.  I will be seeking out a few new trails and enjoying being outside because it is in nature where I feel the most alive!

My hope is that you too can take some time to be intentional about this fall season.  It may look similar or completely different then mine.  May this season bring you love and light!

Quote by: Humbert Wolfe