Autumn has settled upon us, here in the Midwest. The leaves are changing into their fall colors, the days are cooler, the nights chilly. One can feel the life pulse slowing down. With that, I find myself wanting to shift gears as well.
I am more apt to relax on the couch, read a book instead of staying on my feet and tending to the daily chores or readying my office for my scheduled sessions. I also hear my clients speaking the same, this want to be a couch potato. When asked for advice, I can easily run down the usual list of suggestions, stay active, eat a healthy diet, continue with regular bodywork, etc. Yet, I also see the need to allow this slow down within us.
Autumn and Winter can be a time of rest and reflection. The time to let ourselves lie fallow and rejuvenate for the coming spring. While I never suggest letting our bodies go to the point becoming unhealthy, I do think the quiet seasons can be used for touching base with ourselves, and discovering those areas which need our attention. Does that extra cup of coffee in the morning cause achey joints? Is the added holiday sweets giving you a headache? Does the stress of your job cause you to grind your teeth?
This is where the slow down can be of assistance allowing us look within. In the meantime, while we wait for the winter season, let’s enjoy the fall weather. Mother Nature can create an amazing kaleidoscope of color, while she prepares all of us for the upcoming cold.
