How to Adapt to the Change in Seasons
Move into the new fall season with more ease and Self-awareness
by Ashley Stachon
Fall is a magical time.
As the season changes from long, sun filled days, we get a chance to reconnect with the slower pace of life. In our society, and especially if we are parents, we are often too busy to pause and notice the subtle shifts of nature. The days are getting shorter, the trees are changing colors. You may have noticed your kids are sleeping a little later (and if you have littles, “later” might mean a 7:00am wake-up instead of a 6:15am wake up - so take “later” with a grain of salt!)
The changing of the seasons is something that we have a hard time tuning into as we get farther away from nature and outdoor living. You may have noticed your children are still in tune. They have not been programmed by alarms and coffee and start times. I always think of September / the fall transition as a time to allow my children to be leaders. How can we learn from them?
Last weekend was Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It falls 10 days before Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, and traditionally the week is supposed to be spent in reflection. Reflection of where we have been, and what changes we want to implement moving forward. Reflection of the changing seasons, of the consistent transition that happens every year around this time.
As a parent of two kids under six, I am constantly reflecting. But not in an intentional way - mostly a judgmental way. But this time of year, which I view as a transition, always makes me pause and reflect on how I can be more intentional. I invite you to join me in this intentional reflection. Being a parent is challenging. We are all on our own journey, but it is important to remember we are also all connected when it comes to the intrinsic knowledge we have as mothers. So I invite you to show up for yourself, take a pause for a couple minutes, notice the changing season, and reflect on how you can become more present in your everyday life. That might look like exploring a more restorative yoga practice instead of your usual vinyasa, or adding a few minutes of meditation to your day. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, it could mean taking the time you need to feed yourself nourishing fall foods, like sweet potato, pumpkin or stewed apple. Or just taking a few minutes to rest in the afternoon if you’re feeling tired, to keep your energy more even and stable for the rest of the day. We hope this reflection, along with your yoga practice, will help you find the support you need to thrive and stay healthy as you move into this new fall season.
Ashley Stachon teaches prenatal yoga on Tuesdays at 10:45 am - 11:45 am and postnatal mommy and baby yoga on Thursdays at 10:45 am - 11:45 am in the Metta Mama studio in San Rafael. She is also the Director of Metta Mama.
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