“If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.” -Paulo Coelho
Autumn is a peaceful season. The days are shorter, the trees slowly shed their leaves, and we find ourselves lingering under the covers a little longer as the mornings are cooler from a later sunrise. I am a firm believer in taking cues from nature and adapting our lives to be more compatible with the season.
My workouts are more rhythmic and restorative, and I intentionally do cardio outdoors to take advantage of either the sunrise or sunset. Nature provides a different variety of food, and our family eats with the season as well. We put away our bathing suits, wake boards and water toys and exchange them for hiking boots, bikes and firelit evenings.
Nature is releasing last season’s growth and preparing to welcome new growth in the spring. I remind myself and my children to let go of things that might hold us back in the future. We must make room for the new. If any experience takes away from your peace, it is too expensive. Nature is reminding us to embrace release and choose peace.
Autumn reminds me that nothing is permanent, that change is coming, and that I need to shed any excess to make way for the new. How are you preparing for the new year? What things have been a burden to you? Who do you need to forgive? How successful do you want to be in the new year?
Your brain can only maintain so much focus. If you are cycling thoughts of unforgiveness, anger, resentment, you will be distracted from accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself in the coming year. You must let go of old things that are not in alignment with who you would like to become. Excessive focus drains the focus circuits in your brain, exhausts your energy making you lethargic and confused. Repetitive negative thoughts can lead to cognitive decline and focusing on criticism and cynical thought encourages sadness.
Embrace this season of letting go by releasing things that no longer serve you. Give yourself a chance to maximize growth this year.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
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