Local Harvest
A new season is upon us. Summer’s hot and long days have given way to colder and shorter days. The fiery outwards energy of summer is being replaced with the inwards and restorative energy of fall. It is the season of falling leaves, apples, pumpkins and thanksgiving. It is the season of back to business and at the same time increased self-care and nurturing. It is a time of organizing and preparing for what you are intending for this season.
There was a time I did not enjoy the seasonal change into fall because I love summer so much. Fall signalled the end of what I loved. That awareness inspired me to create a 7 Mindful Days program for the transition and since then I treasure this golden season. Here are 5 wellness tips to help make your fall joyful.
- Savor Local Harvest
Fall is a bountiful time of harvesting the abundance of all that has been worked on in spring and summer. It is a wonderful time to incorporate this harvest for its deliciousness and also because it provides exactly what our bodies need to feel grounded in fall.
Here is a list of what is in season in September and October in the Ontario region of Canada. Check out the organic farmer markets in your area to support the planet.
Apples, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Eggplant, Greens, Herbs, Peppers, Potatoes, Plums, Radish, Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon. Pumpkins arrive in the middle of September.
2. Celebrate Fall Equinox
Fall officially starts on Fall Equinox. This year it begins at 3.50 am EST on September 23. (Update for 2020 – 9.31 am EST on September 22). Fall Equinox and Spring Equinox are the only two days in the Northern Hemisphere where day and night are almost equal in length. It is a good day to take stock of where you were last year and the changes that has transpired since.
Below are some ways you can celebrate. Even just choosing one will make it a mindful and special day.
- Cooking a celebration meal filled with fall flavors using produce from the local harvest
- Expressing gratitude for the abundance
- Putting up a fall wreath
- Indulging in a new fall accessory (handbag, shoes, scarf , glasses or lipstick)
- Adding a fall accessory to your home decor in the fall color palette (pumpkin orange, golden brown, soft cream, deep yellow, olive green)
- Diffusing essential oils that smell like fall. Combine 2 drops cinnamon, 3 drops lemon and 1 drop clove and your home will smell like you have apple pie baking in the oven.
- Creating a fall collage with foliage you collect outdoors
- Writing your fall Intentions list
- Walking amongst the leaves
- Visiting a local farm
3. Keep Warm
It is time to take out the cozy sweaters, warm jackets, boots, hats and shawls. In Chinese medicine it is very important to keep your body warm during fall to stay well though the season.
Incorporating more spices supports the body internally to handle the cold weather. No wonder Pumpkin Spice is so popular at this time. Even a simple ginger tea will help to warm the body. Grate an inch of ginger into 16 ozs of hot water and let steep for a few minutes. Sieve and add honey as a sweetener if required. Here are some other warming spices: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and cardamom. They can all be added into a tea and can also be found in many tea and chai blends. You can even carry a thermos to work or when out and about.
A drop or two of any of the essential oils of these spices can be added to a base oil like olive oil or coconut oil for a warming body or massage oil.
Cayenne, garlic and turmeric are also great additions to the fall cuisine.
4. Write your Fall Intentions List
The beginning of a new season is an ideal time to reflect on what you would like to be, do and have this season.
Questions to ask yourself for this season
- What do I need to release?
- Which areas do I need to prioritize?
- Where do I need to slow down?
- What resources do I need?
- What new self-care rituals would I like to experience?
5. Create Space
Declutter your space. Clear out and put away all the things to do with summer. Organize your home and closet for fall. Check your fall Intentions list to get clear on which areas you need to declutter to create space tor what you want. How can your inside surroundings best serve and support you?
This takes time. Be gentle with yourself and schedule enough time to create space. Allow yourself the time you need. It is after all the season of slowing down.
Let me know what your favourite things about fall are.
Wishing you happy fall!
