Autumn Reset

 

 

You may have noticed lots of references to “September Reset” and seen my recent post on Instagram and Facebook where I outlined my September RESET which is:

R - Rejuvenate (I have a yoga retreat in Crete coming up)
E - Energise (lots of gardening and walking now the weather is cooler)
S - Simplify (time to clear out stuff, unsubscribe from unwanted emails, weekly meal plan)
E - Embrace (welcome the new season and opportunities to try new hobbies)
T - Time management (focus on priority and important activities, reduce time scrolling)

As we’re approaching the half-way through September I thought I would take a moment to reflect on my progress so far and share some of my thoughts ...

Rejuvenate: in preparation for my yoga retreat I have been practising a new yoga sequence on a daily basis – this is only a 10 minute practise which I do before breakfast but I think it’s improving my strength in readiness for 5 hours of yoga a day. I enjoy my Tropic Skincare cleansing and moisturising regime, taking time to relish the wonderful fragrances from the natural ingredients and the soft, silky feeling of the different lotions and potions. My skin is in a better condition and looks fresher.

 

Energise: Now the weather is cooler I’m back in the garden working rather than sitting in the sun and shade. Harvesting beans, tomatoes and potatoes (and a few grapes) has been very satisfying together with seeing many butterflies and bees visiting our numerous buddleia bushes. But there’s a whole heap of cutting back, pulling up and general tidying to do – I will be busy well into the winter months! Walking in the New Forest with friends and family is a complete joy with lovely views of the heather, ponies and the recent lunar eclipse. In Crete there awill be opportunities to walk in gorges and along beaches so I have so much to look forward over the coming weeks – my heart is full of gratitude.

Simplify: It has been rewarding to have a clear out of my wardrobe with bags of old clothes being collected today by Anglo Collection. I’ve also reduced my email traffic by unsubscribing to lots of companies – this has given me time and headspace to actually read some of the emails and newsletter I am actually interested in. I must admit I now realise a weekly meal plan is just not for me. As a veggie I simply see what vegetables I have in the fridge or maybe still growing in the garden and then create my own dishes or find a suitable recipe (either a new one or a tried and tested one). Do you find you return to your favourite recipes or are you keen to discover new tastes and ideas? 

 

Embrace: I’m finding the change in temperature to be good (in some ways) with more inclination to be active and I’m doing my best not to complain about the rain and dark evenings (my knitting has come out of hibernation). Autumn colours are starting to appear on some of our trees and leaves are falling onto our new patio which means I’m back onto raking and sweeping (another opportunitiy to be “Energetic”). I haven’t started any new hobbies yet but have returned to badminton which is great exercise with a lovely social element as well. My mindfulness practise will now include tea meditations as well as candle gazing.

 

Time management: I have been carefully considering some invitations and opportunities for outings and consciously saying “no thank you” to some of them to give myself more time on my priorities which fall under my “Energise” and “Simplify” intentions (gardening, walking, clearing stuff out, preparing tasty meals). Scrolling is undoubtedly addictive – I do find myself aimlessly doing this from time to time. I mindfully remind myself in a non-judgemental way that it is very easy to get distracted and attracted to fun videos or amusing anecdotes. I then ask myself do I need to be looking at my phone/ipad for anything in particular or can I do something else. Perhap seizing the moment for an impromptu mindfulness practise - maybe just be looking out the window at nature or connecting with my breath.

Overall. I’m quite pleased with my “RESET” so far and plan on keeping with it for a few more weeks before taking a pause to reflect and perhaps update my intentions during October.

Please do let me know how your RESET is going.

I am holding an Autumn Reset evening on Thursday 23^rd October in Sandleheath Village Hall from 1930-2100 which will be an opportunity to relax, set intentions and connect with yourself, others and the season. To reserve your place or ask any questions, please call me on 0785 4046383.

If this workshop doesn’t suit you and you would like some support in intention setting, letting go of things that are not serving you well or just simply some time for self-care – please reach out to explore how I could work with you.

Warm wishes and love

Debbie

#Debbiemindful