Change of Seasons and 3 Ways to Embrace Autumn

Fall is my favorite time of year because it is nature’s pause. We start to see a beautiful transformation with the trees changing from a vibrant green to a crunchy orange. The carefree attitude of the summer months shift into a comfy, cozy frame of mind during late September and October. I get excited for the crisp weather and the pumpkin flavored goodies, like pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin biscotti that line the market aisles.

With all the physical changes that happen around us, what changes are happening within us?

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With shorter days and longer nights we find ourselves settling into new routines. Before the holiday season starts to gain traction, let’s take a moment to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.

Reflect:

Take part of an evening and give thought to events that have taken place this past year. For those who journal, go back and read what you have written these past months. Get a perspective on the issues that you were working through and look at the progress you’ve made.

Recharge:

Everyone that I work with at O’Connor Mortuary is passionate about what they do. We put our heart and soul into every moment we spend with families. We share in on some happy moments with families, like when they share their loved ones story or when we connect over something that shows just how small this world is. We also share some heartbreaking moments with them. On the emotional side of things, it’s hard to not take a little bit of “work” home with us.

When we have our time away from the mortuary, we do things that recharge our spirit and bring balance back into our lives. Some of us do this by having guitar jam sessions, seeking the perfect wave to surf, getting enthralled by a novel, yoga, and by enjoying moments with friends and family.

I think another great way to recharge is to go on an adventure. With warm days and cooler evenings, fall is the perfect time of year to explore. Escape fluorescent lights and the city life. Take a hike in the local wilderness park or drive up the coast to Big Sur.

Camp under the stars and let the sunlight wake you up as it breaks through the treetops. Go anywhere that doesn’t have cell phone reception!

Reconnect:

Fall and winter months bring family and friends closer together. Being in the presence of people you enjoy sparks feelings of hope, closeness, and joy.

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When we are missing a loved one, we tend to look far ahead and see the holidays that we will spend without them. For some of us, we will always have an empty seat at our Thanksgiving and Christmas table. If someone close to you has passed, take this time to visit where they are buried. Have a meal at their favorite spot and take a friend along.

When going into a new season, we are reminded that all life is impermanent. This fall, honor your body by deepening your connection with yourself and the people around you because each moment we have is fleeting.

What are some ways you will enjoy this season?

How do you recharge after a long week at work?