Friends, I wrote my weekly message to you before yesterday’s horrific events. I am sending my prayers for peace to everyone impacted by war and terrorism. Here are some powerful prayers that you may find helpful. And I believe time for creative expression is healing for us all.
Hello, Friend.
What’s changing in your life? What are kinds of things are you letting go? What new energies, experiences and dreams are coming your way?
How are you transforming?
Shifts and changes can be big and little. The autumn landscape here in Elkins Park where I live reminds me of that. Each morning when I walk my Saluki Odin, I notice which trees are getting a bit more orange, red, golden. Which trees are dropping their leaves, which are holding on.
One sunny afternoon, I was sitting with Odin in our backyard:
He was deep in focusing, tracking squirrels. A breeze came along and from under that big tree, I watched the leaves showering down to earth. It looked like a dance, they fell gracefully and with ease:
The autumn landscape, alive and changing, reminds me that I’m transforming, too. Letting go of old ideas and beliefs that no longer serve me. Opening and trusting what’s coming next.
Not always as easy for us humans to let go as it is for the trees—our minds may tell us that transformation is scary.
That’s where our writing practice can help. We can write honestly about the shadows that come up. We can face them.
This week, let’s write an autumn affirmation, a mantra to post and repeat to yourself. Especially if transforming feels (even a little) bit hard.
Your affirmation might be good for the week or you might write a new one every day. Have fun with it! Our words have power. You know that. Write the autumn affirmation that you need today.
Writing Practice: Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.
Prompt: Here are some autumn affirmations that I’ve been working on! Read them over and pick one that resonates with you today.
Write it down. Free write about why you picked this affirmation—how it relates to what’s happening in your life. Write any resistance, fears, worries, shadows that come up for you as you consider change, too.
Read over what you wrote. Highlight or circle any big ideas, discoveries, what surprises you.
Write your own autumn affirmation for the week ahead, inspired by your transformation process.
Please share your affirmation with me! I’d love to read it.
Deepening Practice: Write your affirmation out on a big piece of paper. Use markers or gel pens to play and make it colorful. Put it na prominent place where you’ll see it this week. When you’re out in nature, pick up leaves, acorns or other natural objects to place around it.
If you’re yearning for community, creative inspiration and mentoring, find your way to Autumn Expression! Starting in one week!
Because you’re a Journey With The Seasons subscriber, I’m offering a discount code of $7 off when you register: EFYY8GNA. Register here.
I’m also excited to share an upcoming immersion with Ritualwell–open to everyone!
Do you struggle to unplug, put away work and personal demands, and take time to rest and restore your mind, body and spirit?
A weekly welcoming Shabbat ritual can help–whether or not you have an existing Shabbat practice. Info and registration here.