This morning I read a passage from Simple Abundance, the daily book of comfort and joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach that was a phenomenon in the 90’s. She refers to September as an opportunity to “turn over a new leaf” (pun likely intended).
September does have that vibe, doesn’t it?
As a kid, I always felt that bittersweet-end-of-summer-mourning mixed with a fresh excitement about a new school year.
Now, as a grown kid, it’s the same! I’m a bit sad to say goodbye to the warm flow of summer, but eagerly welcome the transition into a bit more daily structure.
Breathnach mentions this instinctive nature to make “resolutions” in September. I guess I never thought about this feeling of wanting to; tighten up the bedtime routine and finally come up with a good dinner planning system, as ways of setting a resolution to the new season.
It turns out, September has the same quality as “nesting” did when I was pregnant with my children.
And I love how Breathnach qualifies a September resolution:
"January resolutions are about will, September resolutions are about authentic wants. No horns, confetti and champagne."
Oh how I feel that in my core! The instinct to “turn over a new leaf in September” does feel a bit more positive than the rigidity and sacrifice many new year resolutions carry.
And just like the impending slow and subtle changing of the leaves here in Upstate New York, we can approach our fall time resolutions in the same way.
What are your authentic wants for the new season? Perhaps frame this around shifts that energize and fill your cup like; ease at bedtime, reading a book on the front porch, or journaling?
Without judging what was before, how do you want to feel moving into a new rhythm and routine?
What are small and gentle changes you can make to inch yourself closer to that feeling?
Like the perfect timing of nature, can you allow yourself to be present and joyful in the process, not fixed on a specific outcome?
Will you value and prioritize rest and decompression?
When we make positive changes in our lives, it’s a rich opportunity to pay close attention to our thoughts and emotions. Just like the Law of Attraction (like attracts like), the tone and quality of our thoughts create great influence and energy for us.
As you move through your autumn days (and always), try to get into a rhythm of pausing to anchor in the moment (you can do this with your breath, or through your senses; noticing one thing you see, smell, hear, feel and taste). Next inquire, by curiously and compassionately turning your attention inward. Now notice and observe your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. The key is to do this without judgment, and with nurturing love.
So often we will discover a lot of rumination over the past, projecting into the future, and so much of it is negative (our brain likes to do that). When we do notice that negativity, in this case around change or trying something new, see what positive facts and perspectives you can offer your mind to counter it's negativity bias.
The Daily OM says “the longer we are able to hold a positive thought, the stronger that energy around us becomes.”
It takes practice, my friends, but this is part of living mindfully.
Now, I’m curious, what are you "authentically" hoping for this September?
ps: here are a few journal prompts, if you'd like to try:
How do you feel about the transition from summer to fall?
I sense something is emerging, and if feels like _____________________.
Write about an experience or lesson from this summer that will prepare you for the fall.
If autumn could speak, what message would it share with you?
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