Let the dead things go.

“Autumn is the time of year when Mother Nature says, ‘look how easy, how healthy and how beautiful letting go can be.’” – Toni Sorenson 

October is my favorite month. I love the colors of the leaves on the trees – especially in the Northern Hemisphere. I love the crisp mornings that bleed into warm, sunny afternoons. Yet, in contrast, I also love the rainy, overcast days that fall can offer. I love all things pumpkin – pumpkin creamer, pumpkin bread (with LOTS of chocolate chips), pumpkin candles, pumpkin body butter, pumpkin beer … the list does go on. Additionally, I have a great appreciation for what October – and fall, really – represent. As we shift from summer and into fall, we are invited to gather all that we’ve harvested over the last 9 months. It is time to take stock of what we’ve brought forth in our lives, and to celebrate this. It is also a time to consider what we might be ready to release and let die before heading into winter. 

When I read the quote by Toni Sorenson above, I felt my body sigh. In the natural world, October and November are a time to begin preparing for the deep slumber and period of rest that lies ahead. In order to make space for this rest, for this time of real restoration, it is only natural that we will have to let some things go. 

It is difficult for me to let go – to release my grip, my need for control, and invite room for fresh growth. I am a creature of habit and routine, even if the habits and routines are no longer working for me. There are thoughts that I am thinking, habits I am repeating, words I am speaking and actions I am taking that are no longer serving me. In fact, some might even be holding me back. And just like the trees, I want to be willing to let these go. 

In order for me to move into a space of clarity, to really understand what it is that I want to let go of, I have to first settle myself. Just as squirrels bury nuts during the late fall in preparation for the cold months ahead, I too need to prepare myself for the letting go, the rest, and the rebirth that winter allows. There are several practices I have been engaging in to assist me in this preparation.

Tying Up Loose Ends ~

As we near the end of 2022, I am working to wrap up some of the bigger projects that I took on this year. My days have felt full and frantic as of late, and this is not the energy I want to bring with me into winter. In December, I hope to have lots of time for deep rest and reflection, so as to be crystal clear as to the dreams and goals I hope to manifest in 2023. In order to do that, I must first finish what is on my plate now. 

Saying No to New Projects ~

I am attracted to bright, shiny things. When a new creative project pops up in my brain, I feel an intense desire to begin it RIGHT NOW. I could begin writing a book, building a kid’s mindfulness curriculum, starting a podcast, and why not do it right now?! Well, because I am intentionally trying to create space. As I mentioned above, I don’t want to bring “frantic and full” into December with me. Which is why, for now, I am saying no to new projects as I wrap up my current ones.

Prioritizing the Joys of My Heart and Soul ~

Instead of adding new projects to my life right now, I want to use my “open” moments to pursue the little activities that make me smile and help me to feel like I am resting (something I continue to struggle with). I want to have time on a weeknight to paint, or to bake. I want to crawl into bed at 8PM (what a dream!) with a good book and just read for an hour before turning in early. I want to go out on a Thursday night with friends and not feel guilty about all the other things I am not getting done as a result. 

Reflecting ~

Once I have wrapped up my loose ends, refrained from taking on anything new, allowed more opportunity for pure fun and rest, it is then that I am ready to begin considering what it is that I want to let of and leave behind in 2022. It is in this space I can ask myself the deeper questions and call forth answers that ring most true. It is here that I can shed what is old and allow for new. 

There is so much value and beauty in letting go – which mother nature really does show us each and every fall. But knowing what to let go of, and putting yourself in a position where you are actually able to let go, does take some preparation. The above practices help me, maybe they will help you too. 

As October will soon be November, and then November be December, it is a good time to ask yourself what you might want to leave behind in 2022. A good start is to inquire as to what letting go means for you. And then perhaps, how might you create space in your life to consider what it is that you are ready to let go of.

“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” – Unknown