Yes, we love pumpkin spiced lattes, too, but that’s not all fall is about.
This season is a time for looking inward, for inspiring self-reflection, for contemplating life and the world all while nourishing our bodies with nutrient-dense foods and providing us a beautiful landscape to do it all within.
So how do we transition from an outward-energy time of year (summer) that’s busy, playful, and light to something a bit slower, calming, and more introspective?
Here are some of our favorite ways to mindfully make this transition:
Immersing oneself in nature’s beauty
Fall can be magical. There’s nothing quite like quaking, golden aspens under a bright blue sky or elk bugling at a distance in crisp afternoon air. We just can’t seem to get enough of it somedays!
To engage ourselves with the changing of seasons, we opt for activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, and leaf peeping throughout Colorado. We always have a blanket and snacks on hand as well as a football, poetry book, and art supplies in case we get inspired to stop and enjoy.
Soak up the harvest and cook
Summer’s produce glory may be gone, but fall’s is just ramping up. Warming foods such as soups, stews, and casseroles can be filled with nutrient-dense foods such as root vegetables, stone fruits, oats, and spices.
We love how slowing down in fall encourage us to make more home-cooked meals. After searching fall farmer’s markets for the freshest ingredients, we like to cook as a family and make extra batches to freeze whenever possible.
Take in the scents
Fall has many beautiful aromas. From the sweetness of mulled apple cider to the earthy fragrance of fall leaves, natural essences can play an important role in changing our mindset to a new season. Note what scents surround you on a hike, while raking your backyard, or visiting an orchard.
In addition, soy or beeswax candles with a cotton or wood wick as well as essential oils placed in a diffuser can carry such fragrances throughout a home or office.
Gather with others
After summer travel, plans can slow a bit making fall a wonderful time of year to reconnect with those you haven’t seen or talked to recently.
Share a meal, coffee, tea, or a walk together or embrace fall festivities – they aren’t lacking in Colorado! Apple picking, fall hiking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, and art festivals are plentiful – choose one (or more!) to commemorate the season together!
Set the scene
Shorter days and cooler nights beg for a cozy setting and calming activity. Light the fireplace or a candle, cuddle up with a soft blanket and good book, sip spiced tea, and turn on reflective music. Bask in the comfort of this environment and energy it provides.
Reflect
Finding time to simply remember all you did over the summer, things you saw and learned, and goals you have for next year can help close out one season and open your mind to the next. Try journaling, acupuncture, talking with a loved one, yoga, walking, or massage to help stimulate such thought.
And remember! A change in season can be a good reminder to get back on track. Scheduling an acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, or holistic counseling session as well as adding in supplements such as vitamin D and immune-boosting mushrooms can aid in your seasonal wellness.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule an appointment.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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