The Gift of Turning Inward: Embracing the Quiet of Autumn
Here in Colorado the temperature dropped below freezing for the first time on the eve of Halloween. The time change is upon us, and the darkness will come earlier as the days continue to shorten. The leaves are creating a canopy on the ground and the branches begin to bare their true selves. As we don our sweaters and scarves and reconnect with our tea selections, we’re invited to mirror nature’s rhythm and begin to bring our energy inward.
Turning Inward
Autumn is a season that invites us to turn inward and connect with the quieter parts of ourselves—a gift often overshadowed in our busy lives. Turning inward is a practice that many traditions and philosophies honor. As Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, "The only journey is the one within." In the fall, this journey can feel especially poignant, as the world around us reflects both the beauty and the impermanence of life. We’re reminded of the cycles that shape our lives and the inevitability of change. To honor this season is to give ourselves permission to slow down and listen more deeply, not to the external demands or the pressures of daily life, but to the subtle messages within.
Embracing Stillness
The quiet invitation of autumn is not about isolation but about finding the peace that solitude offers. This shift toward stillness can be uncomfortable in a world that rewards constant action. Yet, as we allow ourselves to embrace stillness, we can hear the whispers of our inner voice. By finding a resting place within ourselves, we allow our thoughts to settle and our spirits to replenish.
Reflecting on Our Inner Landscapes
The transition towards winter encourages a similar reflection within us. We, too, carry seasons and cycles in our lives, each one offering its own lessons and growth. We can pause and notice these inner shifts— reflecting on what we may need to let go, much like the trees release their leaves. This reflection is not about setting goals or making plans but instead about appreciating the quiet wisdom that often arises when we stop searching for answers outside of ourselves. In the words of Lao Tzu, "At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want."
Nurturing Inner Growth
Just as seeds lie dormant in the earth throughout winter, nurturing unseen potential, our own moments of stillness can lead to deep inner growth. In these quieter spaces, we begin to discern what truly matters, making space for what is essential in our lives. By turning inward, we can find clarity, connect with our core values, and nurture the parts of ourselves that often go unacknowledged in busier seasons. Autumn teaches us the art of presence, of slowing down enough to appreciate each moment’s richness. We find that by allowing ourselves to simply be, we are reminded of the presence, wisdom, and strength that reside within us. Ram Dass states, “The quieter you become, the more you can hear." In embracing the gift of autumn, may we find renewal in the act of turning inward and honoring the peace and stillness that lies within.
If you would like support for this practice, I am offering a new course, Introduction to Mindfulness. This is s a 5 week self-paced course that offers all of the tools to create a foundational mindfulness practice. By the end of this program you will be able to implement your own independent mindfulness meditation practice with confidence. The perfect support for the transition from Autumn into the frenetic energy of the holiday season. Learn more here!
