September Flow: Embracing the Shift
Welcome to the September edition of Roots & Resilience! As the summer sun begins to soften into the Autumnal Equinox in a few days, we find ourselves in a time of subtle newness. The days are gently shortening, and the hustle and bustle of the school year greets us in our morning drives. We’re in a transition and our bodies know it.
According to Our Plants:
The plants here in our office are starting to sense the subtle changes, too. They're still unfurling new growth, but less so than just a few weeks ago as summer's growing season slows.
They're still needing heavy watering to keep up with the baking mid-day heat coming through the many windows, but we'll be keeping an eye on them to see how the tropicals fare near the glass panes as we start to see some cool nights and mornings. Meanwhile, we’ve relocated a few plants as the afternoon sun moves across the horizon, leaving some more sensitive leaves vulnerable to burns at the harsher lighting angle.
We're trying to take a cue from our plants and stay attuned to changes or accommodations we need in our own environments, schedules, and relationships, too.
Engaging Resilience in September:
Times of transition can be exhilarating or super challenging, so here are a few things on our minds as we head toward Fall.
Potential Factors Challenging Our Resilience This
Back-to-School Blues: Even in adulthood, the back-to-school season can stir up old feelings in rhythm with the school calendar. Some inspiring, some nostalgic, some maybe lonely or shame-ey.
Social Pressures & Losses: As summer winds down, there may be fewer fun or outdoorsy events diverting our attention, right as other obligations and routines might be increasing.
Seasonal Shifts: Our bodies are amazing timekeepers and anniversary trackers. The shift in the air, the falling of the first exhausted leaves in our current drought, so many other signs in nature remind us of our past and of what's coming as the shorter days convey us toward winter fallow and family gatherings.
Transitions in General: Plus, transitioning from summer mode into any other mode, or just transitioning at all, can challenge our resilience. Loneliness and fall melancholy are real phenomena, and something you deserve connection in if you'd like it.
Nourishing Our Resilience:
While September brings its challenges, the shift in pace also offers unique opportunities for growth and reflection.
Leaning into New Beginnings: It can be energizing to channel the back-to-school vibe into exploring special interests, starting a new project, or indulging in some new ✨ office supplies ✨.
Prioritizing Self-Care: As we're adapting our routines and closets, we can plan self-care into our days with mini moments of self-compassion or by prioritizing textures and fits that support our comfort and ease of movement.
Connecting with Nature: Spending time outdoors and appreciating the subtle changes in the natural world helps us stay centered and gives us larger perspective. Even as the summer glow begins to fade, nature offers moments of beauty and connection on our own or with people who refresh us.
At The Hope Preserve, we honor that transitions can mean so many different things to our community. If you'd like support in navigating these shifts with compassion, understanding, and practical strategies for building resilience, we'd be honored to be in this season with you.
