N O U R I S H

Do you remember how it feels to be nourished?

Depleted is the opposite of nourished, do you know how it feels to be depleted? 

Do you routinely put other people/things first? Whether that’s your children, parents, family, job, boss, clients, landlord or bank account?

Do any of these people/things leave you feeling heavy, drained, frustrated or…depleted?

It’s hard to be truly nourished through our food even if we eat all the right things, at the right time and in the right way, because even the very earth our food is grown in is depleted of vital nutrients and minerals. Intensive farming, that lacks respect for healthy ecosystems, has depleted our soil. It feels as if our current society’s intensive lifestyle, that lacks respect for health and well-being, has depleted us physically, mentally and emotionally.

When so much of our intensive-depleting-lifestyle is part of a wider society’s behaviour or conditioning, it can be hard to start nourishing ourselves. 

Slowing down, doing less can be frowned upon as unproductive, or even as letting others down.

I know I need to find some slow-ness in my life, we all do. 

It was when I took this picture last weekend that I realised my Sunday swim is probably the only time I REALLY slow down. I’m forced to by the cold water. Mind, heart and body all become fully present and focused on, one breath, one moment at a time.

I really do feel and function better when I make time to truly slow down and just do one thing with all my attention.

I know.... it's hard to slow down or do less when we have given ourselves so much to do! 

Can you think of any people or activities that leave you feeling nourished? People or activities that leave you feeling light, energised, uplifted, inspired or content?

Perhaps we can ‘make space’ for more of these things or people in our daily lives. Not just once a month, we need daily nourishment.

Our modern way of life creates way too many opportunities for dis-ease, conversely, aligning ourselves with the seasons and our life's seasons promotes well being. 

Adapting our activities with the seasons can reduce depletion and add nourishment.

We are in the transition season of Autumn, moving from Summer to Winter. Transitions are times of great change which can be unsettling. Being aware of the changes and taking time to reflect can help us to accept and adapt, bringing long term benefits to our health.

What we tend to do however is push on through, it seems easier or less disruptive than changing. We keep running at the same intensity as we have been until we burn out - fully depleted. 

In the Celtic Wheel of the Year, today is Samhain (Sah-wain), meaning summer’s end and the beginning of Winter. Samhain and Autumn are the perfect time to follow nature’s cues and release. Let go of anything that depletes your energy.

In the process of releasing we nourish our roots. Trees release their leaves,

 to conserve energy, the leaf litter decays and returns to the earth, nourishing the roots.

The Celts were superstitious and believed it bad luck to plant any crops at this time of year so they would leave their fields unplanted until spring. This gives time for the soil to rest and replenish itself. 

This is the time of year when we need to rest and replenish  too. 

In order to let go, to make space, we need to make seasonal changes. Perhaps making some decisions that might feel difficult or uncomfortable, like saying no to things that you know will deplete you. Delegating some tasks so the workload is shared, shelving some work/tasks until Spring.

Any changes, however small, can make a difference. The more we rest and replenish ourselves during Autumn and winter, the healthier our immune system is and the more likely we will feel renewed and ready in Spring - the Celtic New Year.

Making time to connect with nature and go for a walk in the woods, you'll notice mushrooms are in season right now, they 

symbolise fertility, transformation, bliss and good health. They are symbols of a positive connection to death/the departed, of gratitude and of renewal.

Seeing mushrooms is a sign of a healthy ecosystem as they only grow in fertile ground. Growing in dark places they are a great metaphor for us, we grow the most during the greatest challenges we face!

Mushroom are critical to a healthy ecosystem and much of this is hidden deep beneath the surface, the vital network called the mycillium.

We get a glimmer of what is beneath the busy surface of our lives when we slow down. We think and feel a little deeper,  realising so much of our 'living' is superficial.

A practice that allows us to go a little deeper is needed during this phase of the year. Slower, more attentive movements, space to reflect, to let go and adapt. Movements that take us closer to the earth, that enable release with a deeper connection to our breath. Slow flow and restorative practices are ideal.

Slow and still doesn't mean nothing is happening, great transformation is subtly  happening at a deeper level.

In terms of self care off the mat, make time on your schedule for slowing down and choosing to spend your time well, on people or things that nourish you on a deeper level.

Allow more time between activities or commitments so you can take your time rather than rushing everywhere. 

Cook warm, earthy foods and allow time to enjoy eating slowly. If you don't already, consider taking a moment of gratitude for your meal before eating.

Self massage is an excellent way of nourishing yourself, sesame oil is great this time of year as it's heavier and more nourishing for dry skin. Take time to practice this slowly with love. 

Journalling is also an effective way to release thoughts and emotions that aren't nourishing. Emotions are feelings in motion, however often feelings get stuck in the body, journalling and physical movement can help release them.

Samhain blessings and I hope you take time to align with the seasons this Autumn.

Om shanti

Sophia