Niagara is a place full of natural beauty that is evidenced by our rich agriculture and many public green spaces. Typically, during this time of year, I enjoy joining many others in celebrating our 67 year old wine country celebration and the fun fall festival in Lincoln. It is a time that we take to enjoy the fruits that come from the efforts of those that work in industry related to agriculture. However, this year, I did something different.
I joined my family in clearing our backyard of trees and plants that have been decaying over the past few years and camping at Grundy Provincial Park. It was a lovely time being close to the earth and experiencing the ways in which nature takes care of itself. It reminded me of why I love this season. Nature reminds us, encourages us, and models for us the importance of nourishment. So often, when I see the word nourishment it is about the food that we put in our bodies, yet it is so much more. Nourishment is about the things we expose each of our senses to. Our senses of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing crave nourishment.
During this autumn season, I encourage you to consider the things that you expose your senses to. As you start to slow down and head toward winter, I invite you to mindfully observe and notice what things and conditions are around you that no longer serve your health (mind, body, and spirit). Are there things that you can invite into your life that may serve it better? What things are you listening to (media & conversation/comments), what fabrics are you wearing, what scents are around you? When you see, smell, hear, taste, and touch these things, what arises for you? What do you feel....emotions and sensation? What actions do you take? Mindfully observing and then consciously responding may support your health. Mother nature models this so richly for us, will you follow her lead?