As autumn’s wick burns low and sunsets unfurl their glory at an earlier hour, November emerges as a time of profound spiritual healing when we can learn how to navigate life’s transitions. Whether we are challenged by the chill of cooler temperatures, battling the grip of seasonal affective disorder or enduring the unpredictable waves of inner change, this sometimes-dim threshold into winter presents an opportunity for us to illuminate our own paths.

We might have to work a little harder to achieve our comfort, but simple pleasures like unplugging from our devices every afternoon to savor a hot cup of tea or a mug of frothy hot chocolate can help us find a lovely groove. Stocking up on cozy slipper socks, making savory stews in the slow cooker and flopping into a favorite well-worn chair with an inviting book are easy ways to guide our nervous system toward a slower rhythm.

As trees, plants and animals prepare for winter, we too can heed nature’s cue, despite our constant, on-the-go tendencies. The Persian poet Hafiz wrote, “I felt in need of a great pilgrimage, so I sat still for three days.” This reminds us that seeking quietude can be a gateway to realizing that we already possess what we truly need.

Tending to our own hearth—both literally and metaphorically—can be equally as enriching as traveling the world. Home is not just a physical structure that surrounds us, but also a rich and fulfilling realm within us. It’s a sacred place where we can find soul nourishment as the seasons change outside our door.

Here are a few gentle nudges for the last month of autumn:

 

·       Indulge in specialty teas, coffees or cocoas.

·       Enjoy a candlelit breakfast or dinner.

·       Burn a cinnamon stick as a natural incense.

·       Take a moment to observe twilight and savor the tranquility.

·       Luxuriate in soft blankets and fluffy pillows.

·       Write a snail-mail letter on beautiful paper to a special someone.

 

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com

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