September’s transition to autumn

September, the start of autumn. The evenings are starting to get darker earlier, the temperature is starting to drop, the leaves on the trees are starting to change colour, yet there is still a scent of summer in the air – a true month of transition.

The September full moon is known as the Corn or Harvest Moon because it appears at the time when the crops are gathered and provides light for the farmers to gather their harvest early in the morning and late into the night. This year it will be in full glow on Tuesday 17^th.

September’s full moon is a perfect time for new beginnings – a time to get rid of any habits no longer serving you, a time to wipe the slate clean and start again.

In September we also have the Autumn Equinox on Sunday 22^nd. This is when light and dark are in balance, a day and night of equal length. From this point the transition to the autumn really begins.

In September why not try:

Foraging: The blackberries are in full growth, why not take a nature walk and gather blackberries and apples to turn into a delicious autumn treat?  Or join an expert in a foraging for mushrooms and wild greens. Checkout my friends Herbclub Kim and Unfurling Alchemy who offer nature walks with foraging in Hampshire.

If its not food you desire but an autumnal display, then take a walk and gather beautiful things that catch your eye like berries, leaves or flowers and display them in your home.

Foraging connects you to nature, it is good for your physical and mental wellbeing, plus it is a sustainable food source. But remember the principles of lagom, just enough, be intentional, only take what you need and what you will use, be thankful for the gifts from nature and the abundance that it has for you, and be safe, if in doubt, leave it out.

Self-care:

This is not all about face masks and bubble baths. Yes, sometimes a good long soak in the bath refuels us, but there is far more to self-care. Self-care is really understanding what you need and what you are lacking. As September is a month of balance, and new beginnings, now could be the time to assess your needs and put some boundaries in place.

For example, to be happy we need a balance of giving and receiving. Women, especially, can find themselves in an unbalance with giving far outweighing receiving. Societal ‘norms’ teach us from a young age that women provide service, they are givers or care, love and affection to others. We can believe that if we constantly give, we will be loved and accepted.

Take some time in September to be aware of whether you are giving (or taking) too much. Either put in place some boundaries of how much you are willing to give or acknowledge how much you are taking and balance that with some giving. This may involve the requirement to have a conscious and calm conversation with a colleague, friend or loved one to address the imbalance. Try to use ‘I’ terms, speak about how a situation make you feels, don’t assume the thoughts or intentions of the other party and keep examples factual. Be clear on the outcome you want, but remember change doesn’t happen over night and can sometimes show up in a different way than expected.

Community action:

Organise a potluck with colleagues, friends or family – everyone brings a dish – share simple, wholesome foods and enjoy the offerings and conversations. Coming together to share a meal is good for our general wellbeing and social connection. It is also a wonderful balance of giving and receiving.

Donate food to a local food bank – there are many who do not have an abundance of food and as the season changes people without will be in need even more. If you can afford to add an extra item to your food shop, please consider doing so and donating it to a food bank. Many supermarkets now have donation points in store. Consider options with a long shelf life to stock up ahead of the winter.

Partake in a litter pick – As the season changes and the foliage starts to reduce, the litter that has hiding will start to be visible again. Why not take a walk and pick up litter as you go, grab some colleagues, friends, family or join a community group and pick with company. Reward yourselves with a nice hot beverage or glass of something at the end. On 4 September I will be litter picking with colleagues in our Moorgate, London office from 5pm-6pm.

I’d love to know if you have been inspired for September – let me know in the comments below.