Welcoming Autumn: Embracing Change with Small Intentions
As the vibrant greens of summer begin to fade and the world around us starts to turn yellow, orange and red, it’s clear that autumn has arrived.
From the shortening days to the first crisp, fallen leaves, this is probably my favourite point in the seasonal calendar. A time to lean into the changing season, take stock and reflect on the season that’s passed, as well as consider what we want to carry forward into the darker months ahead.
Despite the cooling temperatures (and I’m a fan of those too!), there’s something particularly lovely about being outside at this time of year. Perhaps it’s because we know what lies ahead, but I find myself savouring my morning coffee in the garden, taking a stroll through the park at lunchtime, and forever trying to squeeze in that last BBQ with friends before the clocks turn back.
I also find myself noticing the seasonal changes far more, from the more obvious colours of the trees to the fungi appearing on the forest floor and the golden light as the sun sits that bit lower in the sky.
One of the more magical things I like to do is explore the woods with my 5-year old and see what we can find. We keep an eye out for fairy rings, those circles of mushrooms that, according to legend, if you step inside one could whisk you away to fairyland. So, we tend to admire them from the edge, just to be safe!
Autumn is also a season for gathering and harvesting. Apple picking or blackberrying, with permission and local knowledge, of course, is a lovely way to connect with your local landscape, as well as make the most of what’s growing around us. At home, we turn these treasures into soups, stews and baked goods. I also want to try my hand at fermenting, which helps preserve seasonal produce and reduce food waste. And if you do make more than you need, it’s a great opportunity to share your creations with family, neighbours or others in your community. Win/win.
So as we pass the autumn equinox, known in modern Pagan traditions as Mabon, it can be a natural point in the year to reflect. What are you grateful for? What are you harvesting? And what intentions do you want to set for the months ahead?
For me, as we move into the darker half of the year, I’m embracing some simple intentions:
Create a cosy environment: I plan to declutter and deep clean my space, then add some cosy touches like candles, warm blankets and the delicious smell of something baking with cinnamon.
Prioritise slow weekends: I want to avoid the chaos of over-scheduling. Instead, I’d like to leave some space for relaxation and spontaneous adventures, even if that means enjoying a quiet, cosy day at home.
Get outside, whatever the weather: I’ll be making it a point to spend time outdoors, noticing the changing season and enjoying the beauty of autumn, rain or shine.
Plant for spring: While I’m not wishing away any of the seasons, there’s something exciting about knowing that beneath the soil, there are already the beginnings of next spring’s colour and vitality.
Find my balance: Finding a local in-person yoga class will be my way to support my wellbeing, be in community and (hopefully) feel more balanced.
Support my community: I’ll prepare donations for my local food bank, sharing what I can and putting the spirit of abundance and reciprocity into practice.
Autumn is a busy time in my house, filled with back-to-school preparations, Halloween, Bonfire Night and Thanksgiving celebrations. But setting these intentions doesn’t have to mean giving yourself another to-do list. They are simply small ways for me and my household to connect with the changing season and honour it, both internally and through the natural world.
So, wishing everyone a smooth and balanced transition into this new season. May you notice the changes around you, embrace the wisdom and joy this time of year has to offer, consider what you’re ready to shed, and what you want to take root over the coming months.
Happy Autumn!
Emily x
Emily Coyne is TreeSisters Head of Finance and Operations. She lives in East Lancashire, UK with her husband Rick and daughter Robin.
