Full disclosure: I am NOT basic. If you know me, you know there’s nothing basic about me, I’m quite awkward and rarely do things that others are into, and I like it that way. With one exception…… my love of all things that go along with autumn, especially pumpkin: pumpkin foam cold brew, pumpkin latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin spice smoothies…….. YES. Yes! But, also yes, to all of the other things that fall offers ….. warm sunny days with increasing hints of chill, cozy crisp nights and mornings, soft glowing lighting earlier in the evening, BRILLIANT foliage that shouts glory to our creator, sharper shadows tinged with golden light, sweaters and scarves and fuzzy socks, my heated mattress pad and heated lap blanket ……… I could go on. I could literally go on for a half hour, at least, of all the ways I love autumn the most. But I’ll stop going on about it, and share some ways that you can make the most of welcoming the loveliest season of all.
- Get OUTSIDE! Have a walk in the woods, in a park, in your neighborhood, wherever you best connect with nature. Linger in the sunshine, use your senses and notice what each one feels like. Step outside barefoot, think about how grounding (literally) the earth is. Breathe in all things vibrant, and exhale the stagnant and stale.
- Take the time to DECLUTTER your spaces! I really try to tidy up at least every other day. I don’t always like the task, but feel much more capable with clear spaces. After you’ve decluttered, wipe down your spaces and add in a few autumn themed elements: warm amber, a beautifully autumnal candle, pumpkin paraphernalia, anything that speaks cozy life to you.
- SIMMER SPICES! Peel an orange, throw in a cinnamon stick and some cloves, and maybe even a bay leaf to add a touch of savory, and simmer away (I learned the hard way that you have to keep adding water to the simmer or … it’s a big mess and you’ll be scarping burned bits off your pot for a while). I do this all autumn and winter, and it’s like a candle, but cleaner. NOW I AM NOT KNOCKING CANDLES! If you’re an essential oil diffuser, diffuse away with warm, spicy scents like cinnamon, frankincense, patchouli or ginger … I’m not huge into diffusing oils, but they’re also a fantastic way to add natural scents.
- CANDLES! See, not knocking the flame … I, of course, love pumpkin candles, but also apple, ginger, even variants with tobacco or sandalwood; if it’s warm, earthy, and inviting, count me in. I love to burn a candle in the early mornings before the kids get up, and end my day with some sort of flame, it’s my thing.
- CELEBRATE WITH FOOD! Lovely butternut squash, potatoes, corn, APPLES, pumpkin … think of harvest, and get cooking. As you’re preparing your meals, think of how grateful you are for the earth that provides nourishment, and make choices that honor creation rather than convenience. Set your table thoughtfully, and enjoy all that we are blessed with that so many people don’t have access to.
- GRATITUDE! While we aren’t yet close to thanksgiving, it’s good to give thanks every day. Some days I have to intentionally practice gratitude; I’m definitely in the mix with y’all wading through muddy waters. Even when you can’t see to the other side, list a handful of things you’re grateful for, and start there. When you can’t see the light, sometimes you have to make the light, and a grateful heart can speed up the process. Autumn really is a season of abundance, embrace it with gratitude.
- RELEASE! I’m big into all things creation, and autumn truly speaks “release” when you think about it. Everything is preparing for rest, shedding what is no longer needed. We should take cues from mother nature on this one, release, rest and refresh. Release things that weigh us down, to prepare for the long winter nights ahead. There’s such a rhythm to nature, and following seasons, stars, animals, and weather helps us to be more in tune with this earth that we live on.
I’ve listed a handful, but of course there are hundreds of ways to celebrate the season, it’s a matter of what speaks to your heart. What are ways that you’re celebrating the arrival of this colorful season? I thoroughly enjoyed greeting people at work today with “Happy first day of autumn” and some were on the same page, some were shocked that it’s already here, and a few even ignored me. (I gave them grace in my heart, though, it was early and not everyone is a morning person). Anyhow, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN! Enjoy the balance that the equinox brings, and let it flow through you with all the richness, abundance, and warmth that the season allows.
With Sunbeams and Love,
Racheal Xx
Nice! Ready for fall!
Autumn fans are the best! 🍂🍁