Fall Mindfulness
This past year I have found immeasurable beauty in slowing down. In the past, I’ve had my fair share of filling my years to the brim and working myself to exhaustion. And it’s not to take away from all that I achieved, enjoyed, and experienced during those times. But, in this season of my life, I have a deep craving in my soul for being present. Few things have helped with this more than mindfulness. So, in addition to fall coping skills, I want to give you some ideas for fall mindfulness.
When I try and come up with mindfulness activities I lean into my 5 senses and different ways to engage with my different senses. The goal with mindfulness is to calm the mind of the past and future and be in the here and now.
Sensory walk: You can hit all 5 senses with this. Go on a walk and look up to take in the sights around you, for the fall the colorful leaves give you plenty to take in. Listen to the crunching of the leaves beneath your feet. Think about how your shoes and socks feel on your feet as you step. What do you smell as you are out on your walk? Did you bring some water with you or a warm drink? How does that taste as you drink it?
Fall candles: I love candles, but fall candles have an extra special way of giving “vibes of the season.” Light your favorite fall-scented candle, sit back, close your eyes, and lean into all the things the candle’s smell brings up for you.
Cozy blankets and sweaters: With cooler weather comes the need for cozy clothes and blankets. Next time you grab something cozy, take a few minutes and process how the texture feels against your skin.
Apple/Pumpkin flavors: Pumpkin and apple flavorings are a couple of the delicious tastes of fall. Get yourself a flavored drink or make a pie, cookies, or muffins. As you drink or eat, lean into how the flavorings taste.
Bonfires: Fall brings those crisp evenings that can be chilly, but sitting around a bonfire can make it comfortable. Next time you are sitting around a bonfire. close your eyes, and listen to the flames and crackling of the wood.
Fall leaves: Even though I’ve lived in a place that has always had changing leaves each fall, the beauty still strikes me. Next time you’re outside, look around and see just how many different colors of leaves are around you. Maybe head to a park or your own yard grab a couple of blankets, find a spot underneath some trees and lay down. Watch the leaves as they fall from tree and russle in the wind. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of the wind winding through the leaves and branches. Take off your shoes and feel the wind flow through your socks and hit your feet. Watch the squirrels running around.
These are just some ideas for fall mindfulness activities. Pick something from this list or pick your own activity that suits you. Either way, take some time to slow down and be present this season.
