It’s been days of rain and clouds around here. I’m still feeling unsettled feeling that comes with this time of the year, and of course, Mercury in retrograde, always affect me. Are you finding that unsettling too? I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago, and it persists. I know it’s the shift in season, (gray skies makes the impact, greater) and the transitional feeling that comes with this time of year.
As things shift, leave, expand and reflect, it all feels unsettling. As I navigated these feelings this week, I had a sense of void; everything appeared to be black, white, shades of gray. I didn’t feel that color overload that I often feel inside and need to get out onto paper and/or canvas.
I’m starting to feel that feeling of nesting and hibernation, as the days get shorter, darker, cooler and the days and nights blur together. “When I’m like this I want to be surrounded by comfort and people who I love. I’ve pulled out the soft blankets to drape over the sofa, thick socks, soft warm clothing, added my winter comforter to my cozy bed and brought out my “day lights”. This is the time of the year, that my Seasonal Affect Disorder starts to take up residence inside me and I need to take excellent care of myself on the inside and the outside, so that I don’t spiral down and let it take me to an abyss.
It means slowing down, breathing deeply and being very present with myself, which Yoga and Meditation bring to me. So this week, I looked to the black and white of the things I know that work, allowing for shades of gray, so that I don’t become stagnant. Letting myself choose what I’d like whenever possible, from what I’ll eat to when I’ll do something. It means doing things that fill me up and brighten my day when I have the energy; creating new art, taking photos, walking, writing and just looking out the window. Soon the color of life will color my palette, again.
What helps you feel more comfortable and cared for on these Autumn days? How do you find ways to incorporate more of that into this time of the year?
From my wildly passionate creative soul to yours in peace.
jennifer barrile said
Lovely pages from your journal, I know that feeling of discontent and just being unsettled. I feel it comes and goes more so this month. An oversized warm sweater brought me a little comfort yesterday, but the focus on being creative making art guarantees joy and comfort. There is a nice comfy sofa that sits in front of a nice big window waiting for you if you need some gazing time.. 🙂 thanks for your words!
Indigene said
Thanks so much Jen! I LOVE LOVE your window! Trust me, I’ll be by with delicious hot chocolate so that I can gaze and chat with you. You warm my heart all the time! 🙂
andrea said
Wow — your work shines in monochrome. I love these.
Indigene said
Thanks for your comment Andrea! It means a lot to me! I so appreciate it. There is something about B/W that’s comforting.
RitaJC said
Thanks for sharing, Theresa! I feel a bit better this fall because of the jobs I get, but it needs only a bit to get me down. And my daughter gives me loads of bits lately.
Indigene said
Thanks for stopping by Rita! 🙂
kimpdx said
Yes, this time of year is a huge transition. I'm glad you are doing all the things you need to take care of yourself. Also, love the pages you shared–lovely, and perfect for a gray day.
Indigene said
Thanks so much Kim! It took me a while to realize and accept that I needed to do these things for myself. I had to take myself off the back burner and learn worthiness. 🙂
Prerna said
I love your pages. they speak volumes.
Indigene said
Prera, thanks so much for stopping by; I really appreciate you and your encouragement! 🙂
Deanna said
Entering the fall season always feels like a big transition for me bigger perhaps that New Year's so I understand your feelings. It is good you have learned what self care works for you and helps you through the winter days.
Indigene said
Thanks Deanna! It took me a while to grasp that I needed to stay on-top of my self-care; but I’ve got the hang of it now! 🙂 Besides, it also adds to the quality of life for my loved ones!
Elouise said
I love hearing about how you take care of yourself through fall and winter. Simple ideas and rituals. And yes, gazing out the backyard window. Very important! Reading is on my list–books that take me to another world/time/space. Definitely playing the piano more. Cooking pots of soup and stew. Hot herbal teas. Resting when my body gives the signal. Writing in my journal.
Elouise
Indigene said
Elouise, self-care has been a learning process! It is so often taken for granted; which is why rituals work, because one can do them without thinking and still reap the benefits. 🙂 Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment.