What Can You Let Go Of?

“I feel the winds of the west out breath, 

letting go of my leaves, 

all I do not need.  

Into the darkness of the fall sunset, 

I release, receive, getting ready for the silence.”

-Ayla Nereo

It’s fall and the seasonal shift is palpable here.  It hadn’t rained since June and now that fall has arrived, the rain returned just like that.  Fall is actually my favorite season.  I appreciate the cool air, the relief from the busyness and the heat of the summer.  Turning inward and comforting myself with tea, baking, reading, and journaling brings me so much pleasure and peace.  

These song lyrics from Ayla Nereo were recently shared with me and they resonate so deeply I sometimes listen to this song on repeat (you can find her on Spotify).  These words create a sense of ease and comfort for embracing the seasonal shift and the emotions of fall.  The opportunity for reflection is just that, an opportunity.  Perspective changes all things.  

As I shared last month, I like to use my September birthday as a time of reflection in alignment with the seasonal shift.  I wrap myself in the process of going inward and evaluating how I’m feeling and how I’d like to feel this next year.  I also take a deep look into what I no longer need.  

What thoughts and beliefs about myself, others, the world are no longer true for me?  What ideas have I been harboring that just don’t resonate anymore?  What relationships have run their course?  What relationships can I shift my attachment to, i.e. what thoughts about certain relationships can I release?  What possessions do I have that no longer spark interest or enjoyment?  What have I been holding onto too tightly?  What outcomes am I rigidly attached to?  

Grab your journal or a notebook and reflect, it’s officially time now that the fall has arrived.  

How do you embrace the season of fall?  What rituals and comforts do you enjoy?

May you be well,

Sara