Hello friends, new and old, near and far–
Happy October 1st! Welcome to a month of transformation. Together–through reading, prompts, writing, sharing–we’ll recognize and honor the signs and symbols of letting go in nature and inside of us.
We may love autumn’s beauty—but neglect to notice what’s changing inside of us.
When I forget my connection to soul, to earth, to the cycles of nature that keep turning, I feel off, lost and ungrounded. It’s natural for that to happen in the culture of distraction that we live in—our attention constantly being pulled outwards.
We know that we have deeper connections. We hear what’s there, in the shadows. Dreams, intuition, a feeling that there’s more.
We transform when we bring the unseen to light. Our fears and potential. October is full of traditions across cultures calling the shadow forward, to come out and play.
Let’s go together into this new month by calling out our hopes. Put whatever you’re feeling in your heart and gut and nervous system into words. You can do it. We’re here together. I want to read your October prayers.
Before we begin, I’ve got a little story from this past week that I want to share with you:
A few days ago, I opened my Facebook memories. I don’t use Facebook that much anymore and never look at the memories, but this day I had an urge to do so. I read through moments that I had shared on this particular late September day over fifteen years and they happened to all be standout memories—firsts with my children, particular striking interactions with loved ones and friends.
Reading moments from that one day in my life over fifteen years in time helped me to imagine my life as a circle. How I can’t see it as I live it, but that a story is unfolding here. In each of our lives. I’ll transform some now but the process doesn’t end.
I have no idea if that makes sense or resonates but it was an opening moment for me!
I share because as we imagine the month of transformation, we can soften our sense that transformation is linear. The seasons show us that we’re in a cycle. And here we are in autumn, the time for letting go before we rest.
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: Write your wishes for the month of October, expressing all hopes, gratitude & desires. Write about the parts of yourself, your life, your energy and patterns that need some shifting. Write about what whispers to you in dreams and yearnings, what you haven’t given much attention to yet.
Don’t edit yourself, write what comes!
Some phrases to get you started…
I am grateful for…
I am noticing that…
I hope to change…
I am ready to let go of…
I am dreaming of…
Place your October prayer/intentions somewhere you’ll see it as you start your day.
I’d love to read your expressions. Leave a comment here or email me your response at gabriellekm@gmail.com.
Deepening Practice: Notice signs and symbols in your landscape of change, transition, letting go…capture them in photos…journal about them through the week.
If you’re yearning for community, creative inspiration and mentoring, find your way to Autumn Expression!
We’re starting in two weeks and the group of participants are imaginative, original and kind. All sessions are recorded so you can participate at your convenience.
Because you’re a Journey With The Seasons subscriber, I’m offering a discount code of $7 off when you register: EFYY8GNA. Register here.
And for Jewish writers, ritual innovators, poets and liturgists, join me Tuesday 10/3 at noon for a fun info session about Advot@Ritualwell.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned writer, Advot@Ritualwell welcomes you wherever you are in your writing journey.
On Tuesday, I’ll share a creative prompt about the paradox of Sukkot–finding joy and embracing change. Register here.