Season Change, Time for Reflection
For those of us who love summer with all of its jumping in the water and late nights under the stars, it’s a bittersweet time of year. The September equinox occurred last week, and the light is shifting just like life. If we have children or are a student, being back in school can feel hectic with forms and practices and teacher conferences. For many, projects at work that have been on hold have started to pick up again. Things change this time of year, and it’s a good time to take a few moments to reflect. Growth can happen quietly when we give it a little space and time.
Here are a few ways each type can take a pause as we notice the change in season:
Type 1: Take a break from fixing, improving, and correcting.
“What if, just for today, I allowed things to be exactly as they are?”
Tricia (Type 1) is making self-care and self-discovery a priority. She is taking more purposeful pauses with reading, meditation, and prayer. She is aware that her body feels better and anxieties are lessened when she takes these intentional moments to slow down. And so, although she already misses the long sunny days filled with so much laughter and busy fun, she is thankful for autumn, a season to re-order, to slow, and to discover.
Type 2: Turn some of the care you so naturally offer others inward.
“What do I need right now—and can I allow myself to receive it without earning it?”
Type 3: Let yourself step out of doing and simply be.
“Who am I when I’m not accomplishing, producing, or proving anything?”
Barbara finds that the best month of summer in Ventura, California is September. She’s noting how she falls into her Type 3 overdoing habit of trying to manage the fun of summer with the ramping up of work projects. She’s working on maintaining a routine, practicing awareness, and saying “no” to more and “yes” to some quiet time.
Type 4: Notice what is here without needing it to be different, deeper, or more meaningful.
“What beauty or contentment can I find in this moment as it is?”
Type 5: Step away from observing life from a distance and notice your embodiment.
“What am I feeling, needing, or wanting right now—not just thinking about?”
Type 6: As the season changes, notice what you’re anticipating or preparing for. Then breathe.
“What is actually happening right now, separate from what I fear might happen?”
Type 7: Allow yourself to linger. You don't have to rush toward the next experience.
“What might I discover if I stay fully present with this moment instead of moving on?”
Type 8: Let strength include softness. You don't always have to push, protect, or take charge.
“Where could I loosen my grip and allow myself to be vulnerable?”
Type 9: Notice your own inner movement.
“What do I want, feel, or believe when I turn down the voices and priorities of everyone else?”
However it’s best for you, we hope that you can give some of your moments this season to nurturing yourself. If you want to explore this further, we are here for you!
