Embracing Autumn: A Season for Letting Go and Self-Discovery

As the golden autumn light shines through the falling leaves, we are kindly and slowly reminded to pause. Mother Nature in her quiet wisdom begins to let go; leaves falling to the ground, branches baring themselves to the sky gracefully, with no resistance or panic. Trees shed their leaves to preserve moisture in their branches and trunks instead of drying out and dying. Consequently, less energy is needed to stay alive. Leafless trees become more resistant to storms as strong winds can move easily through the branches.

Maybe that is the message autumn is sending us: letting go can be peaceful, and beautiful, a call for self care.

In our rapidly changing world, we easily forget that slowing down is not a weakness; it's rhythm. A chance to pause, breath deeply, rest more and reflect. As the external natural world changes from the outward energy of summer to the stillness of winter, our inner world invites us to do the same.

 The Therapeutic Power of Slowing Down

Fall comes with a particular kind of peace. The air becomes crisp, carrying a sense of quietness and anticipation. It's not the race of spring or the intensity of summer - it's kinder, gentler, more reflective and a perfect time for healing.

Autumn inspires us to:

• Simplify: just like the trees shedding what no longer serves them, we too can free ourselves from bad habits, thoughts or relationships that unsettle us or weigh us down.

• Reflect: shorter days naturally pull us inwards. Meditating, journaling or simply walking through fallen leaves can help us process the emotions that we once or always ignored.

• Ground: leaves fall to the ground and remind us of stillness and the present moment. Warm drinks, cosy coats and blankets, candlelight, all bringing comfort and connection to the here and now.

Cosy, A Form Of Care

Therapy isn't always about deep conversations or hidden truths. Sometimes, quiet things heal us. Autumn opens doors to simple routines. Making a cup of tea or coffee, filling your hot water bottle, reading by the window, lighting a scented candle in your room become therapeutic acts. These remind us that comfort is necessary.

Allow yourself the softness of this season. Wrap yourself in a blanket not just for warmth but as an act of gentleness and kindness to yourself. Let the scent of your candle be a balm to your nervous system and the golden light remind you that endings can glow.

What Might You Let Go Of?

Autumn doesn't ask you to do everything overnight. It simply asks you to be present and notice. What's weighing you down? What's no longer serving you? What version of you are you ready to release?

Sometimes, healing is simply witnessing your own experiences with empathy and compassion.

So this autumn, don't rush to fill the silence. Let it hold you. Let it teach you. Let it heal you.