The leaves are starting to change, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler; all signs Fall is coming. This is a nice time to reflect upon the year, thus far.
How is your year going? Now may be a good time to take inventory in two different ways:
- Think of all that has gone right in the year?
- What is your body needing?
What has gone right this year? This is a nice time to reflect upon some of your accomplishments of the year. If it has been a time of struggle, reflect upon how you have handled the struggle and learned from the experience. Eckhart Tolle once said, “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.” This perspective can be empowering when applied to struggle. When we consider situations as if our higher self or God or whatever enlightened being with whom you resonate chose this path, we have the opportunity to examine how each situation can help us grow. A break up or a job loss may be devastating yet make way for new opportunities. Even in our job when we get a new boss whom we don’t enjoy or the workload has changed in a direction that isn’t enjoyable, all of these things can help motivate us to make a change towards more happiness. It could be a change in jobs but it can also be a change perspectives or attitudes. Our world give us many gifts if we allow reception of them.
What is your body needing? When the nights get longer we may feel that we need more rest. Sleep more. Perhaps some tight muscles may need a massage. Get a massage from a professional or loved one. You can even take a bath with one cup epsom salt and one cup baking soda and maybe a few drops of some relaxing essential oil like lavender. We may have cravings for different foods. Pay attention! Our amazing bodies tell us what they need if we listen. When you are feeling something, ask what your body what it is trying to communicate to you. Let’s talk food! Perhaps you are craving hot apple cider. Maybe your body needs some of the vitamins found in apples. Enjoy your apple cider, be mindful of the flavor and the warmth as it heats and comforts you. All moments, experienced fully, have a way of meeting the needs of our bodies, minds and souls. If you are concerned that indulging leads to weight gain, I hear you. When we consume food mindfully, we tend to eat only what we need, thus do not over indulge.
Consider this season change an opportunity to get reacquainted with yourself. Celebrate you and others. Listen to your needs. Enjoy your Fall season. You’ll be glad you did.