I absolutely love autumn. I often feel like spring and autumn are having a little competition in my head for the 1st spot in my favorite season. As autumn’s gentle arrival draws near, all I can think about is feeling cozy. Autumn is the epitome of everything cozy. Reading a book by a fireplace, bonfires, roasted marshmallows, pumpkin soups, hot apple cider, sunflower picking and apple orchards, perusing bookshelves while sipping coffee, wearing soft sweaters while feeling the crisp chilled air. It all simply warms my heart. But, in addition to all things cozy, autumn is also a wonderful time for reflection. A time to reflect on transitions and transformations. As written in The Great Gatsby, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." — F. Scott Fitzgerald
Autumn represents a period of transition and transformation in nature and in our lives. In autumn, the landscape undergoes a visible metamorphosis. Leaves change color and fall, plants prepare for dormancy, and animals gather food or migrate. This natural cycle is a powerful symbol of the changes we experience in our own lives. Just like the seasons consistently change, there is nothing more consistent in life than change. Our lives are meant to be characterized by change, but if we hold a tight grip on life, resisting change, we are sure to bear the suffering that comes with a lack of acceptance and inability to let go.
But I get it, change can also feel painful. It is the reason why often it is so hard to let go of old patterns and habits or ways of thinking and relationships that no longer serve us. Our bodies have an automatic response to cling to what is familiar, even when those things can be destructive to us. Our bodies are constantly trying to keep us in a place of homeostasis, but as comfortable as this place of homeostasis may feel, it is important to embrace the discomfort that comes with metamorphosis. If we hold on to summer we will never experience the beauty that comes with October’s. As the beloved Anne of Green Gable famously says: "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."—L.M. Montgomery.
It is important to remember that the pain and discomfort that comes with change and transformation is one that is short lived. Our bodies have been wonderfully created to embrace change and tolerate the temporary discomforts that come with transitions. And before we know it our bodies will adjust and create a new level of homeostasis that is rooted in something better.
This message and encouragement is much for me as it is for you. From someone who recoils at the notion of change and has a tendency to catastrophize the future and the next transitions of life, this autumn I will be taking time to not only enjoy the coziness of the season but be intentional about reflecting on change and getting my heart ready to surrender and embrace any changes that come my way. I will remember that my body is more than capable of transforming, changing and letting go. I will unclench my hands and hold them open in order to begin sending the message to my mind and body that I don’t need to hold on to what is familiar and open up my heart to receive the new paths that are laid in front of me. I will picture the thoughts that lead to anger, fear or shame as crisp autumn leaves that need to fall from the branches to make room for new blooms to grow.
I encourage you to reflect and practice these things this autumn. What personal transformation would you like to begin to prepare for this season? What thoughts do you want to let go of? What habits do you want to prune? Write these down and whenever you feel the urge to stay in the familiar, open up your hands, take a deep breath in and breath out. Let the crips air and the scents of autumn fill your lungs, rejuvenating you, calming you, preparing you to let go.
Remember:
Pain (or change) x resistance = suffering
Pain (or change) x acceptance = peace
Accept the change this season and experience the peace of autumn.
How do you plan to spend your time this autumn? Leave it in the comments below. I would love to read about your plans, activities, music, recipes, books you plan to read or movies and show you plan to watch. I look forward to hearing all the coziness that awaits you.
For more coziness and autumn embrace, check out our autumn collection and our cozy collection.
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