Transition time
It's November! Now that Halloween is over, some people rush to clean up and move on swiftly to holiday preparation mode. We say, hold on a second. Rather than constantly going through the motions, take a moment to pause. Reconnect with yourself. Find your centre and catch your breath.
We're well into autumn now, this time of transition. It's all around us as physical reminders: the changing colours of trees. The leaves reaching maturity and then falling to the ground. The changes in daylight and temperature. It's the perfect time to take a few minutes for ourselves and simply observe.
When we experience change, it can bring up many emotions for us. Sometimes, especially if we're not in touch with ourselves, we don't even realize that we're feeling things. It's become quite commonplace for us to lose ourselves to distractions and to keep busy with any activity to avoid being present.
If we take even a few seconds to pay attention to our mind and body, we may realize what emotion we're currently experiencing. It's helpful to take note of this.
Some people make a practice of doing so a few times a day, alongside taking a few deep breaths, to keep track of how they're feeling and experiencing their life.
It's a healthy ritual to take those few minutes for ourselves each day. It really isn't much time; yet the impact of checking in with ourself can be profound. When we take a few seconds to centre and calm our minds, we naturally have more to offer to whomever and whatever we're encountering in the moment. It's a free, portable and simple tool: pausing for a few seconds to focus on our breath.
If you're someone who enjoys seeing your progress, you might want to keep a journal. Jot down whatever you discover your feelings are when you take a little break to notice. You can keep track of the day and time and after a while, you may discover patterns when you look back at your notes and review.
It's a bit like playing Poirot: you find little clues to what circumstances bring about pleasant feelings for you and what leaves you a bit unnerved. For example, you may uncover that days when you've had 2-3 cups of coffee seem to correlate with a fair amount of worry and anxiety. Or that you feel more at peace after you read physical books. We're each unique, so our discoveries will be personal and a wonderful exercise in becoming better acquainted with ourself.
Times of transition are also times to treat ourself with care and compassion. This can be anything from giving ourself more or less structure, implementing boundaries, to taking a long, hot bath.
Autumn is the ultimate cozy time. We pull out our knits and woolens, and gravitate toward comfort foods and anything warm. Take advantage of the season to soften any transitions you may be undergoing: write in your journal next to a fireplace or light a candle. Roast some vegetables or make yourself a homemade soup. Go for a hike along the escarpment. Invite a friend over for a warm beverage.
Reaching out to loved ones and acquaintances can reap many rewards. Take some time away from your devices to connect in person. Do you take initiative in your relationships? Or do you wait for others to do so and then react and respond? If so, challenge yourself to be the first one to reach out. A small act of personal growth such as this will leave you feeling proud of yourself for making the effort. And isn't that what transition is all about?
How do you navigate change? Do you have any tips or tactics you've discovered along the way? We're always happy to hear about practices and rituals you've found to work well.
Wishing you a peaceful, pleasant week.
