Autumn Is In The Air
Hi Friends!
Have you noticed the chilly little nip in the evening air? Yes, it’s still Southern California, so the days are toasty hot, but the light is changing, the shadows have lengthened and even without noticing the PUMPKIN EXPLOSION at Trader Joe’s it would be clear that Autumn is on its way.
October often feels like the tippy top of the roller coaster – we’ve crested the big hill and now it’s non-stop until the New Year.
Let’s all take a deep breath. (Actually, let’s take two deep breaths… Okay, keep breathing and let us know when you’re ready to continue.)
We are spending a lot of time in our Groups talking about CALMING. October is a good time to remember how to find the eye of the storm – that brief moment of piece before you whirl into costumes and turkeys and latkes and tinsel… take a moment and breathe.
Three Minute Eye of the Storm Strategies
Listen to one song from beginning to end. (If you can be flat on the floor, so much the better.) Try “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits, “Heavenly Day” by Patty Griffin or pretty much anything off Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album.
Get outside. Up early? Take three minutes to notice the color of the sky. Up late? Count the stars. Listen to the crickets, the coyotes, the neighbor’s radio. Give yourself a few minutes to be in your world no matter where you are.
Brew a cup of tea. Really notice what happens when you pour the boiling water over the tea. Inhale the scent. Let the tea steep. Wrap your fingers around the cup. Feel the warmth of the steam.
Be mindful of one experience in your day. Take yourself off auto pilot and be present for every second of brushing your teeth or washing your face. Chop vegetables for soup or wash lettuce for salad and try to see these activities as a break from the rest of your day.
Wear something you love. Take three minutes to iron a favorite blouse or shirt. Think about why you love it. What makes this outfit the most comfortable? The most beautiful? What are you projecting to the world?
Romance yourself. Light a candle. Buy a bouquet of flowers.
Hit the snooze button. Go to bed earlier than usual or give yourself permission to spend a few extra minutes between the sheets.
Cat videos, anyone? Or baby hedgehogs? Hamsters eating tiny burritos? Spend three minutes watching something beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking or mind expanding.
With love & support,
Tanya and Wesley