As the crisp October air settles in and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, nature offers us a poignant reminder: change is not just inevitable, it's essential. This month, we're exploring the theme "Welcoming Change: Nature's Lessons in Transformation," and what better teacher could we have than the autumn season itself?
The Wisdom of Autumn
There's a certain magic in the air as summer's warmth gives way to autumn's coolness. The trees, in their infinite wisdom, don't resist this change. Instead, they embrace it, putting on a spectacular show of colors before gracefully letting go of their leaves. This process isn't just beautiful—it's a masterclass in adapting to change.
As I've been engaging in my annual ritual of preparing my gardens for their winter rest, I'm once again struck by the profound lessons nature offers us. This act of tending to my plants, of nurturing them through their own transformation, is a deeply grounding experience. Yet, I must admit, it's not without its pressures. Here in Minnesota, the window between the end of summer and the onset of winter can be frustratingly short, creating a sense of urgency to complete all the necessary tasks.
In this seasonal rush, I find myself faced with a choice: I can allow the stress of "getting it all done" to overshadow the experience, or I can choose to frame it differently—to find joy and connection in the process, despite the time constraints. As I work, I consciously shift my focus from the ticking clock to the present moment. The crisp air fills my lungs, fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet, and the earthy scent of the season envelops me. I tune into the rhythmic movements of my body as I work, the sounds of birds and insects around me, and the tactile sensation of soil and plants beneath my fingers.
In this autumnal dance of care and release, I see a reflection of our own journeys through change. Just as I mindfully prepare my garden, pruning what's necessary and protecting what needs shelter, we too can approach personal change with intention and care, even when external pressures mount. The trees aren't clinging desperately to their leaves or fighting against the changing weather. They're flowing with it, using this time of transformation to conserve energy and prepare for the coming winter.
For me, this garden work becomes a meditation on balance—between urgency and mindfulness, doing and being, letting go and preparing for what's next. In tending to my garden and observing nature's rhythms, I'm reminded of the beauty and necessity of change in our own lives, and how our approach to it can transform a potentially stressful experience into one of connection and growth.
Finding Your Vibrant Middle in Times of Change
This idea of flowing with change rather than resisting it is at the heart of the Vibrant Middle approach. Just as the trees find a balance between holding on and letting go, we too can find our own equilibrium when faced with life's transitions.
Consider how you typically react to change. Do you tend to dig in your heels, resisting with all your might? Or do you sometimes rush headlong into change, potentially overwhelming yourself? The Vibrant Middle approach encourages us to find the balance between these extremes—to be open to change while also giving ourselves time to adjust and adapt.
Nature Connection: The Leaf Practice
Take a few moments from all the day-to-day busy-ness to go outside and connect with yourself and nature. Just a few moments is all you need to re-energize and offer yourself a little kindness. While you are outside, try this simple practice to help you embody this balanced approach to change:
Find a fallen leaf.
Hold the leaf gently in your palm.
As you look at the leaf, think of a change you're currently facing.
Slowly turn the leaf over in your hand, noticing its colors, texture, and shape.
Reflect on how this leaf changed gradually over time, not overnight.
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, imagine yourself adapting to change with the same natural grace as this leaf.
This brief nature connection can help ground you in the present moment and remind you of nature's patient approach to transformation.
Nurturing Your Nature Through Change
As we navigate changes in our lives, it's crucial to remember my guiding philosophy: "Nurture your Nature, Live Life Better." This isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a reminder that by taking care of ourselves in alignment with our true nature, we can not only survive change but thrive through it.
But what does it mean to nurture your nature during times of change? It means listening to your body, mind, and spirit, and honoring what you need. Maybe you need more rest as you adjust to new circumstances. Perhaps you need to move your body more to process the energy of transformation. Or you might need to connect more deeply with loved ones for support.
Nurturing Self-Care: Your Autumn Wellness Checklist
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant stream of to-do lists and obligations. But nurturing your nature means taking intentional breaks to care for yourself. This autumn, I encourage you to step away from the busyness and create space for self-care. Remember, these moments of pause aren't luxuries—they're essential for your wellbeing.
Here's a seasonal self-care checklist to help you nurture your nature this autumn:
Take a mindful nature walk, engaging all your senses to observe the changing colors, textures, and scents of the season.
 Nourish your body with a warm, comforting soup made from seasonal vegetables, savoring each spoonful.
 Set aside 5 minutes each day for deep, intentional breathing, feeling the cool autumn air fill your lungs.
 Reflect on your personal journey of change through journaling, capturing your thoughts, feelings, and observations.
 Cultivate connection by sharing a cup of herbal tea with a friend, discussing your autumn experiences and insights.
 Explore a new form of gentle movement that resonates with the season, such as tai chi in a park or yoga by a window with a view of falling leaves.
 Create a cozy retreat in your home—a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, or a quiet corner—and spend a few moments there each day for relaxation and reflection.
Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. By taking care of ourselves, we're better equipped to handle change and support others through their own transformations.
The Ripple Effect: How Personal Change Impacts Our World
In our EcoWell workshop, Kate (my co-facilitator) and I discuss how our personal wellbeing is
intrinsically linked to the health of our communities and our planet. As we welcome change in our own lives, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond us.
Think about it: when you're feeling balanced and well, aren't you more likely to make choices that benefit not just yourself, but those around you and the environment? Maybe you have more energy to volunteer in your community, or you're more mindful about reducing waste and choosing sustainable options.
This interconnectedness is beautifully illustrated in forests. When one tree faces a challenge, it can send warning signals to other trees through an underground network of fungi, often called the "Wood Wide Web." This network allows trees to share resources and information, creating a more resilient forest ecosystem.
In the same way, as we learn to navigate change with grace and resilience, we contribute to a more adaptable and supportive human ecosystem. Our personal growth and ability to welcome change can inspire and support others in their own journeys.
Practically Well: Small Steps for Big Transformations
As we embrace this season of change, remember that transformation doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, the most sustainable changes often come from small, consistent actions. This is the essence of our Practically Well approach.
Here are some small steps you can take to welcome change this autumn, categorized to nourish your mind, body, and spirit:
For Mindset Shifts:
Learn Something New: Embrace the back-to-school energy of autumn by learning a new skill. It could be as simple as learning three words in a new language each day.
Practice Flexibility: Set an intention each morning to be flexible with one thing during your day, whether it's your routine, your expectations, or your responses to others.
Mindful Wardrobe Transition: As you switch to warmer clothes, thoughtfully consider what to keep, donate, or repurpose, reflecting on how this mirrors other changes in your life.
Create Small Habits: Link a new, positive habit to an existing part of your routine. For example, practice gratitude while brewing your morning coffee, or do a quick stretch every time you check your phone.
For Physical Wellbeing:
Try a New Seasonal Recipe: Cooking with seasonal ingredients is a delicious way to align with nature's changes. Why not try roasting some butternut squash or making a warm apple crisp?
Embrace a New Morning Routine: Introduce a new element to your morning, like a gentle stretch or a short walk, to energize your body for the day ahead.
Try Forest Bathing: Spend time in nature, using all your senses to connect with the changing environment and boost your physical health.
For Emotional and Spiritual Growth:
Rearrange a Small Space: Sometimes, external change can help us embrace internal change. Try rearranging a small area in your home to create a fresh perspective and reflect on what you'd like to shift internally.
Create a Gratitude Ritual: Each evening, write down three things you're grateful for, focusing on the positive changes in your life. This can be part of a broader evening routine to bookend your day with intentionality.
Mindful Breathing Break: Set a daily alarm for a 2-minute breathing exercise to center yourself amidst change and cultivate inner calm.
Remember, these are suggestions, not prescriptions. The key is to find what resonates with you and your unique journey. Start small, be consistent, and watch how these little changes can lead to meaningful transformations in your life.
Embracing the Journey
As we move through October, I invite you to approach change not as something to be feared or resisted, but as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Like the trees shedding their leaves, sometimes we need to let go of the old to make room for the new.
Change isn't always easy, but it is a natural part of life. By embracing it, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, experiences, and ways of being. We become more resilient, more adaptable, and ultimately, more alive.
So, as you step out into the crisp autumn air, take a deep breath. Feel the energy of transformation all around you. And remember, you are a part of this beautiful, ever-changing natural world. You have within you the same wisdom, strength, and resilience as the trees that are painting the landscape with their brilliant fall colors.
Welcome change. Welcome growth. Welcome the transformative power of autumn.
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