An invitation from the season | What seeds am I gathering?
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 October?
Autumn is a season where we are still harvesting and gathering what has grown during the summer. Acorns, conkers, sweet chestnuts, beechnuts and hazelnuts are gathered at this time of year. If you walk near these trees you’ll notice the shells of nuts on the floor as birds and squirrels feast on the seeds and nuts. October is a month where the natural landscape shifts and changes and the seeds which have been growing are gathered.
I love spotting any remaining conkers and acorns still in their cups in my local park on my morning walk. When I walk under a maple tree I can’t resist throwing the winged helicopter seeds in the air and allowing them to spin to the floor. We have a beech tree at the end of our road and during this month and we can see when the squirrels and birds have got to work as the pavement below is covered in beechnut casings. The natural world encourages us to gather the seeds and this forms an interesting metaphor to explore.
An invitation from the autumn season
During this autumnal month you’re invited to think about this prompt:
What seeds am I gathering?
Your invitation is to create some space this week to explore the prompt ‘What seeds am I gathering?’ and for you to explore what seeds you may want to collect, gather and store 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 seeds can you gather this week, from the month and or gathered from the year so far.
Notice what aspects of life you are drawn to to thinking about when you think about gathering seeds.
Make a note of the question 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 autumn season inviting you to notice?
In my work as an intentional living and personal development coach I support thoughtful, 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, creating space for 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, and there are seeds you are gathering that you are wanting to plant into your life, or store away. 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.
