Autumn Awakening: Time to Reflect, Recalibrate, and Embrace Change
Written By Sifa Vallery Tema
Autumn is a vivid, sensory-rich season that beckons us to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. More than just a transition between the heat of summer and the cold of winter, it’s a prime time for a thoughtful reset — a chance to re-align our goals with the grounded, introspective energy that this season naturally brings.
Acknowledging these diverse seasonal calendars challenges us to broaden our perspectives and recognise the depth of knowledge and understanding that Indigenous cultures hold about the natural world. It also extends us an invitation to observe the micro-changes in seasons and the more subtle shifts in nature in a way that deepens our connection with the environment, enhances mindfulness, and shifts towards greater sustainability.
In embracing a more inclusive view of the seasons, we not only honor the wisdom of Indigenous cultures but also the impact of climate change, which profoundly challenges our traditional understanding of seasons.
Across the globe, the predictable patterns of spring blossoms, summer warmth, autumn leaves, and winter chills are shifting, and seasonal demarcations are becoming increasingly blurred. The changing nature of these patterns means we, too, must realign our lifestyles, economies, and ways of being with the evolving rhythms of the world around us.
This doesn’t mean that our traditional distinctions between autumn, winter, spring and summer need to be thrown out the window, but rather that we need to adapt and expand these understandings to encompass the broader spectrum of changes our planet is undergoing.
Recognising the traditional seasons alongside the subtle and micro-seasonal shifts encourages a deeper engagement with the environment and acknowledges the complex impact of climate change on these cycles.
So, what does that look like in our businesses and in our lives? Traditionally, autumn is inviting us not just to admire its beauty but to internalise its lessons. In the same way that animals prepare for winter through hibernation or migration, humans are also influenced by the circadian rhythms and seasonal cues that can affect our mood, energy levels, and even cognition. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of autumn signal a time to intentionally change the pace — a way of reminding us that our brains and bodies are intrinsically tied to the rhythms of the Earth. Whispering a powerful message of change and transformation, this season visually and somatically urges us to reflect, recalibrate, and renew in sync with the world around us. It prompts us to shift the pace from running hot (aka summer’s high-driven output) into a different, slower gear that allows us to pay closer attention to change, let go off what no longer serves (much like the leaves falling from trees), and also see what needs extra layers (bring out the coats).
Adapting to the ever-changing world around us requires a deeper introspection into our personal and communal lives — a renewed respect for nature’s signals and commitment to finding sustainable and adaptive ways of living in harmony with the Earth and alignment with our values. Right now, each of us is being asked to take responsibility for building the inner capacity to deal with the sheer complexity, uncertainty, and scale of the challenges before us. And while this change isn’t easy, it simply must be done.
Choices matter. Intentions matter. And as much as we support a mindful and ethical consumerism, gifting matters too. It matters because it’s a tangible expression of care and kindness, with the chance to strengthen connections and reflect our values, while also having the power to support sustainable practices and local businesses making the world better for us all.
People can go through their entire lives never stepping out of their comfort zones, and I believe they live to regret it. If you are afraid of change understand that fear is merely a mental obstacle that disappears the moment you decide to step forward. By doing so you’ll get in the habit of breaking through those challenges and, therefore, can begin to easily adapt to future change. And, from my own experience the moment you do commit to change and wander out of that comfort zone I promise you it will become easier and that belief that says “you can’t do it” magically disappears.
I encourage you to take a step forward to experience the exhilaration of personal or professional growth. Go back to school or invest in yourself by studying personal development. Take a night school class, enjoy a new hobby or commit to an exercise routine that you have been putting off. The health and maintenance of your body is just as important as the development of your mind. When you do decide to embrace change make a firm commitment and do it. The perfect time is NOW, this season! So, while you are contemplating that next big challenge enjoy a brisk walk out in the warmth of autumn sunshine and remember to pick up a pumpkin spiced latte to savor along the way.
Our lives would become stagnant from a lack of growth otherwise. Sadly, many people decide to stay in that mold ALL their life. It takes determination and commitment to finally release the ‘familiar’ and a seemingly secure situation to embrace something bold and brand new. To a new Awakening, to change and to thriving may we all enjoy and enjoy the fruits of a few changes made.
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