November Wisdom
As we welcome November and the shift into daylight savings, we’re reminded of the importance of rest and renewal. With the days growing shorter and the natural world inviting us to turn inward, it’s the perfect time to embrace the wisdom of fall. This season encourages us to slow down and reflect, allowing ourselves to honor our own rhythms.
For me, allowing rest has been a challenging journey. I often felt shame around taking time for myself, battling an internal dialogue that pushed me to keep going, to be productive. However, as I continue my self-love journey, reconnecting with my heart, I’m learning to create the space for rest and to say no to things that no longer align with my true self. Years of journaling, therapy, personal development and guidance from my mentors have helped me navigate the uncomfortable spaces that come with transformation, and I’m discovering that resting is not a weakness but a necessary act of self-care.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m excited to share ways to embracing this transformative energy of rest, along with my favorite winter herbal remedy, and opportunities for community connection. Let’s honor the beauty of this season together and make space for the renewal that awaits us.
Self-Care Ritual for Rest
Creating a dedicated self-care ritual can enhance your experience of rest and renewal. Consider the following steps for a restful ritual:
Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet, comfortable spot in your home where you can unwind. Light a candle or burn some calming incense to set the mood.
Relaxation Practice: Start with deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching to help release tension in your body. Focus on your breath as you inhale peace and exhale stress.
Indulge in a Soothing Activity: This could be enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea, reading a book, or taking a warm bath with calming essential oils. Allow yourself to fully immerse in this moment of self-care without distractions.
Reflect and Journal: After your ritual, take a few minutes to write down any insights or feelings that arose during your time of rest. This can help solidify your intention to honor your need for relaxation.
By incorporating these practices into your November routine, you can embrace the season’s energy of rest and renewal, creating a nurturing space for yourself.
Journal Prompts for November
Here are a few prompts to guide you in reflecting on your relationship with rest and nurturing your inner self:
What does rest mean to me, and how do I feel when I take time to rest?
In what ways has my upbringing influenced my ability to rest? What beliefs do I hold about rest that may be rooted in my experiences?
How can I nurture my inner child to allow myself the gift of rest?
What small acts of self-care can I incorporate into my daily routine to support my need for rest?
Grounding Walk in Nature
Taking a mindful walk outside can help you connect with the earth, connect in with yourself and ground your energy. Set aside 10-15 minutes to go for a walk, sometimes I do this with my dog or go by myself. Here’s how to approach it:
Set Your Intention: Before you begin, take a moment to set the intention to be present and release any energies that are not in alignment with you.
Engage Your Senses: As you walk, tune into your surroundings. Notice the trees, the grass, and the details around you. Ask yourself:
What am I seeing?
What am I feeling (both physically and emotionally)?
What am I hearing?
What am I smelling?
Ways to connect in with your intuition: If something is pressing on your mind, remain open to receiving omens or messages from your spirit guides during your walk. This practice can help you find clarity and connection.