We know how impactful time in nature can be for our health and wellness and I’m reminded to always seek ways to connect more with the natural world in my week. We are part of nature however over time it feels like we have become distanced from the natural world, and the rhythms and patterns found in nature. From changes in the hours of light and the way the sun shifts in the sky impacting on our circadian rhythm, the impact of the phases of our moon on ourselves, to the seasonal changes we can see through the year in the natural world around us.
I believe that when we spend time connecting with the natural world we start to notice more, we connect with what is happening beyond ourselves, and we start to appreciate and care more for the planet. Sometimes you don’t need to take yourself off on a retreat to connect with the wisdom of nature. I want you to explore something different in the form of using seasonal metaphors to help you create space for reflection.
How can seasonal metaphors help you understand yourself
Using nature inspired and seasonal metaphors can create different ways to explore your thoughts, and can create a different perspective and approach to making sense of things going on in your life. I’ve found I’ve got to know myself more by using metaphors within questions as they are powerful ways to expand ways to think and provide an open space of thoughts.
Throughout the seasons I’m sharing reflection prompts inspired by what’s happening in nature, inviting you to pause, notice and connect with the wisdom and rhythms of the season. It is simple, intentional and can help you create more ways to understand yourself and at the same time appreciate what is going on in nature around you, even if you live in an urban environment.
What happens in nature during September?
During September the late summer season gently shifts into early autumn. Throughout the summer months energy went into growth as the long hours of light and warmth created the conditions for plants to grow. The late summer season brings temperatures dropping, hours of light reducing, nuts and seeds being gathered, and energy redirected towards the final flowering and ripening phase.
When you look a little closer into green spaces you can notice fruits and berries ripening at different times on the same plant. We don’t sometimes notice when the ripening begins as it sometimes is not visible and is under the surface until there are external changes of colour and texture. Sometimes the ripening process can continue and finish away from the plant. Using these thoughts and ideas have created the invitation from the season you may like to consider.
An invitation from the late summer and early autumn season
During this shift from late summer into early autumn you’re invited to think about this prompt:
What is ripening?
Your invitation is to create some space this week to explore the prompt ‘What is ripening?’ and for you to explore what is ripening in your life at the moment.
You’re invited to:
Think about the question in relation to all parts of you and your life considering firstly those areas most important to you, for example life passions, career, work, family, connections, rhythms, and personal experiences.
Hold the question with open curiosity. You can ask it once, then ask it to yourself again and again until you feel you’ve explored it as much as possible. Asking the same question multiple times can allow you to the space to deepen your thoughts and create opportunities for other ideas to arrive.
Ask yourself the question from different time perspectives, for example what is ripening this week, the month and during the year so far.
Ask yourself what can others see, to help you gather a different perspective about what is ripening.
Notice what aspects of life are just starting to ripen, and where parts of your life and work are on a spectrum of ripening.
Make a note of the question/s and create some space to think. You could take 5 minutes to think whilst making a drink, you could take the question on a walk or to think about when you’re outside, or you could talk about it with someone else.
Write down your reflections to help you explore this question more deeply and help you document your thoughts.
What is the late summer and early autumn season inviting you to notice?
In my work as an intentional living and personal development coach I support ambitious individuals to unfurl their potential and the potential of the spaces they are part of. I support people to create more intentionality in their day to day, support them to gain clarity and awareness of what could support them to unfurl more of their potential, and help them explore what it looks and feels like to do this sustainably for them. Perhaps the prompt and invitation has sparked something within you, with something that is ripening and you want support to explore, or perhaps something isn’t ripening in the way you had hoped. I’d love to support you as your coach. Take a look at my coaching offerings and please get in touch if you’d like to understand more.
