A Slow Transition
Coping with RA in the Autumn Months
“Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” Friedrich Nietzsche
The Autumn Equinox passed by over the weekend, here in Dorset we experienced a beautiful autumnal day on Saturday, giving my husband and I the opportunity to get out into the garden and give it a little tidy ready for winter. The day was spent deadheading the last of the roses, cutting back the dahlias in the cutting bed, although there are still a few standing proudly, lifting the parsnips and the last of the carrots, which were huge and were somewhat amusing with their odd shapes, having been left far too long in the vegetable bed. I managed to de-cobweb the greenhouse and give it a wipe down before moving in some of the more delicate garden ornaments to spend the winter inside out of the elements. I still have my table and chairs in the greenhouse as I hope to still get out there to have a cup of tea and maybe take my journal and sketchbook out with me for some cosy contemplation. The spent garden pots have been emptied and moved behind the greenhouse ready to be filled again next spring and the pond has been netted to stop the falling leaves from rotting in the water. It also stops the heron from plucking my precious fish from the water. The garden has been put to bed.
Saturday evening was cooler and there was a distinct chill in the air so to mark the autumn equinox I decided to light the fire. The autumn equinox signifies the ending of the summer season albeit not overnight, a slow transition into autumn as we witness the changes out in nature, the beautiful colours changing from green to gold, the beautiful browning of the seed heads which are decorated in the early mornings with dewy cobwebs. The darker mornings and evenings signalling a slower pace of life. Leaves, nuts, berries, acorns and conkers littering the forest and park floors, the squirrels busily building up their winter stores. There is an abundance of flora and fauna to be seen and so much inspiration to get creative at this time of the year.
I wrote a list of all the things I wish to let go of leading into autumn:
Less tv and more reading.
Eating less sugar and making healthier choices when it comes to sweet treats.
Being kind to myself when I am in pain. Not berating myself for not being able to do the things I want to. To just press pause.
To not feel guilty for slowing down, changing plans at the last minute or saying ‘no’ to social engagements. It’s ok, the people that matter in my life get it.
To be ok with not being ok. We all have bad days when we are just not feeling it. I am my own worst enemy for putting pressure on myself to achieve, to be perfect. All I can do is my best and some days that means making mistakes, dealing with brain fog from pain and exhaustion or finding lots of spelling mistakes or grammatical errors in my writing. Who cares…really, who actually cares?
Stop trying to fix everything and everyone, the need to give solutions for other’s problems. Sometimes a friendly ear is all that is needed, someone to just listen, not answers. To focus on my own self-care and fill my own cup which makes me a nicer, kinder version of myself.
To take a step back from the world, I can still be aware of what is going on and offer my prayers and compassion, but I can’t change it. I can only change my reality. I can only do this from my eagle’s perch. To observe the world from a distance, learn to detach. To stand in my truth and shine my light.
Once I had written my list I popped it into the fire and watched it catch alight, taking a deep breath and counting my blessings at the same time.
On Sunday I awoke to strong blustery winds, peppered with rain, signifying the transition from summer to autumn. The perfect day to retreat inside, to start contemplating and planning the garden for next year. I love looking online for bulbs ready to plant for next spring, pondering on what worked in the garden this year and what I might change for next year. I practised what I preach by starting a new book, cooking a roast dinner and getting in an afternoon nap, all whilst switching off my phone and no tv, not until the evening anyway.
After a painful night’s sleep, thanks to my creaky joints and working in the garden on Saturday, I have woken up feeling ready to head into the autumn and the winter months. I have prepared my toolkit and feel one step ahead, although disappointed that today I won’t be able to pick up a pen or a paintbrush, I can find other things to do to nourish myself and my soul. I will be gentle with myself and count my blessings, such as the technology I have to be able to write this post, the sunshine that is streaming through my bedroom window, the warm bath that awaits me and my Norfolk terrier, who has been walked by my lovely husband and will be by my side whilst I get to carry on reading my new book. Finding happiness in the simplest of things.
If you have made it this far then I am truly grateful, I would love to hear how you are preparing for the darker months and what you have in your self-care toolkit. Have you things that you would like to ‘let go’ of?
Don’t forget to check out my latest video over on my YouTube channel where I share with you my latest painting and a meander through the woods. Just click on the link below.
Stay naturally curious out there and within this autumn.
Autumn Blessings 🍄🍁🧚🏼♂️
Clare xx
My Book Recommendations for September:
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett
Oh wow lovely read again it’s amazing how much you write on things that people wouldn’t notice and so refreshing to read thank you 💜💜