Mindfulness Practices for the Fall Season
Fall is a unique opportunity for mindfulness, being a transition season, it gives time to reflect upon approaching the winter season. Through this reflection, the fall season gives us a way to start or continue mindfulness practices.
One of the great things about fall is the colors. In Texas, the fall season has color changes depending where you live. Northern parts of Texas, the leaves change vibrancy. No matter where you live, you can bring some of that fall vibrancy to your environment. By reading more below, we’ll provide ways to incorporate fall mindfulness practices to your everyday and practical tips to increase your mental well-being.
Embracing Mindfulness this Fall Season in Texas
You may wonder…what is mindfulness exactly and how can I add it to my everyday life? Mindfulness is simple but ultimately about the present moment and being fully engaged. As you’re reading this blog post, do you find your mind wondering? If you are then mindfulness isn’t fully there, if you’re engaged in the moment, then you’re experiencing mindful thought. As you embrace mindfulness, you’re in the present moment, aware and in the now without judgement.
Now lets apply that same logic to the season, fall. Fall is a time when vibrant colors emerge, the smells of pumpkin lattes fill the air, chocolate chip cookies from the oven, baking pumpkin seeds, the crunchy sounds of leaves and the cool breeze in the evening. Fall is a special time and a perfect time to add mindfulness to your day. In noticing these subtle changes in ourselves during the fall season and adding to our environment, you can experience mindfulness.
Next time you’re drinking a maple or pumpkin latte, take the time to smell the flavors and pay attention to each sip. By tuning into ourselves and environment we can experience a mindful moment. That means putting your phone down, getting off social media and enjoying the scenery around you. It is easier said that done, but very important for your mental health and well-being.
Moving onto fall, by embracing the transition season of change. Fall is a time where leaves change and we move into winter. Through this season of change, we can notice changes within ourselves that are moving and shifting. Many people find themselves in a period of transition and change during the fall season and a reason why the fall season is a popular time to seek out counseling services.
By connecting with yourself during this transition period, it can help you maintain a balanced sense of self throughout the new year and moving into the winter season.
Here are a few quick and easy tips to incorporate mindfulness into your fall routine:
Start your day with a few minutes of quiet reflection. This may be at your table or outside. Take a few deep breaths and have a few minutes of quiet before starting your day.
Take a mindfulness break during the day. By putting your phone away, turning off your computer and only focusing on the present without engaging in other activities.
Eat a mindful fall lunch or drink. Savor the flavors of fall. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. By eating a balanced meal that is full of fall flavors, take a moment to enjoy each bite. If you’re more of a latte or tea person, you may want to take each sip and enjoy the flavors of fall.
End the day with a mindful gratitude practice. If you’re grateful for that delicious meal you had earlier, take time to reflect that or start a gratitude journal.
Remember, mindfulness is a skill and like any skill, it takes some patience and time to learn. So be patient with yourself and have some self-compassion while being mindful.
I think we all can agree that the fall season is one of the most cozy times of year. So whether you’re rewatching your favorite fall movie or sipping pumpkin lattes, take some time to reflect and be in the present moment.
Next time you go to the park, take a second to hear the birds and listen to the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. If you’re wanting to explore a Texas park, check these parks out.
The goal of mindfulness is to be in the present and our senses can help us get there. Use the fall warmth and flavors to engage with your senses and create those mindful, present moments.
Cozy up your space and environment, add soft textured blankets, candles, cinnamon sticks, your favorite books, anything that brings joy to your environment and fall coziness. Fall themed candles like apple, pumpkin, campfire or calming scents.
Create your environment to reflect gratitude and a safe spot to unwind after a long day. If you’re starting counseling sessions this fall though virtual sessions, creating a space that is warm and cozy for sessions. This might mean a warm blanket, a mug and calming scents.
Fall is a time of letting go, what no longer serves us. Just as the leaves change, you change too. Through change shedding what we no longer want or need is important part of growth.
