October brings the jewel-like season filled with foraging for the best leaves, acorns and conkers as well as food gathered from harvesting. I always feel excited about the change of season this month and as I have got older, really appreciate all that autumn brings.
Surrounding yourself with nature can be really grounding and good for your mental health. Living a city life by the sea with a short drive to the country means we are very lucky to have all the elements around us in Portsmouth. The only thing is that people get so busy in their lives that they sometimes forget to stop and enjoy the season. We always feel better when we connect to other living things, whether tending to plants, cuddling pets or observing wildlife. Making time for that connection is important. With technology, it is easy to give in to the distraction we have on our phones but with mindfulness we can become tuned into the season and enjoy subtle changes.
Making small rituals where you spend a tiny amount of time regularly connecting with autumn will enrich your feelings towards the season. When we worry about our world and feel stressed, spending time thinking of our emotional, spiritual and physical needs and being mindful of slowing down and enjoying simple things will help us relax and embrace the colder days ahead.
Cooking with seasonal produce is a nice way to cultivate what is around you right now. Foraging for autumnal fruit like apples or even having a friend hand you some harvested from their allotment will make you feel good. Look out for my autumn apple recipes here.
As taken from the book The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally, it says “Notice the rhythm of the season by stopping and taking notice.”
Tips to help you feel connected to autumn
- Head off for a walk and look at the tree colours and scenery.
- If you can’t escape to the countryside then read all about the season and watch Autumn Watch.
- Have a walk on the beach and forage for some autumn treasure.
- Cook and bake some simple recipes that make you feel content like soup and cake.
- Listen to a podcast or audiobook that talks about autumn.
- Explore local events happening that entice you outdoors before the weather gets really cold and pushes you indoors.
- Browse online for autumn recipes that make you feel cosy and invite some friends around for food and maybe a board game.
- Create yourself a visual autumn display that reminds you to keep connecting to nature.
- Did you know that historically Japan has celebrated 72 seasons in a year and we really only acknowledge 4? So make the best of what the rest of autumn brings.
Favourite things to cook and bake this month are apple cake, cheese scones and plenty of chutney.
