Nature is slowing down and taking a break, and so should we. Here’s how I’m slowing down before the Holiday season.
The busy energy of summer is long gone and I can’t help but slowing down right now. This fall has captured my attention in a way I’ve never before experienced. Ever since I started taking time to understand lunar, menstrual, and other cycles I’m so much more aware of the cues provided in nature. The beauty of the transition from fruitful bloom to conservation of energy paints such a divine picture. And everything in me just naturally follows suit. It means I’m doing less outwardly, but spending more time on things that feed into me.
Isn’t it interesting that the season that’s meant for slowness, reflection, and rest has become the most frantic and stressful time of the year for so many of us? While the natural world is getting darker, colder, literally decreasing in time available for productivity, we get swept up in our manmade accommodations that enable us to push forward. The pace of growth and production we see in spring and summer is simply not sustainable year-round. The earth takes a break — a lengthy one at that — and so should we.
Unfortunately, our society is not designed to function while people take breaks. But that just means we must be that much more intentional in moving towards rest. Here are some ways I’m purposely slowing down this season.
3 Ideas For Slowing Down
1. Choosing “No” or “Not now”.
One of the ways I “nest” is by making plans to see friends and family. It’s a sort of social storing up before hibernation. This time of year I’m often tempted to agree to gatherings and events without considering my natural need for a slower pace. So this year I’m practicing “no” – or even “let’s schedule that for later”. This leaves space for the people and plans that revive me and not deplete me. And I’ve not once regretted having free time on my calendar instead of an activity.
2. Wrapping things up.
I’m using this late-Autumn phase as a transition time to wrap up any active projects – or at least bring them to a good resting point. There are still times when I have energy or a burst of motivation to take action. When that happens, I resist the urge to dive into something new and instead pick one outstanding task to move forward or complete. (Like a blog post I started weeks ago.) 😉 Not only does this help me chip away at a nagging to-do list, but it frees up time and energy to be more present during the magical holiday moments I’ve chosen to say yes to.
3. Nurturing as a path to slowing down.
Finally, I’m giving myself permission and space for self-nurture. That can look like cozying up and taking a break from chores or busy work. But it also includes being willing to ask for and accept nurturing from others. Some things I’ve practiced asking are “Can you make me a cup of tea?” or “Would you be willing to massage my shoulders?” or even “Can I have a hug?”. My loved ones are always willing to accommodate in some way, and it feels so sweet to let others in on taking care of me.
Remembering just these three choices has made such a difference in decreasing the sense of overwhelm and stress I’d gotten used to during the holidays. In the natural cycle, there’s a time for twilight and the setting sun. A beautiful gateway to rest. Being intentional in these areas feels like good practice for following the flow nature into a season of rest.
So as we enter this time of added planning and cooking and people and errands, I am working to look around me for reminders to pause, breathe, conserve energy. Keeping an eye out for the signs that this time is meant for slowing down. I hope you will do the same.
How do you find ways to slow down in this season?
Much Love,
P.S. I’ve had this playlist on repeat for the last 2 months. Maybe it will bring you some refreshing as well.
Thanks!