By Deborah Holmen, M.E., NBCT
Depending on where you find yourself at the beginning of the fall season, you can be assured that we are reminded that Fall is Nature's way of teaching us about change and preparation. With its vibrant colors and the promise of a new beginning, Fall radiates the contrast of growth from the summer and the forthcoming end of another season, ushering in the quiet of Winter. As gardens transition for the cooler months ahead, we can use this season to cultivate growth in our lives with Nature's wisdom to guide us.
Here are some steps we can take to align ourselves with Nature's rhythms this Fall, and in doing so, foster our own personal growth:
Based on the perspective in the book, It Takes a Lot of Sh*t to Grow Beautiful Flowers: A Gardener's Guide to Life, Holmen suggests using the four seasons as a guide for personal growth. Here are seven steps to take this Fall season to enjoy the ebb and flow of this time of the year:
1. Clear Out and Compost: As we observe Nature shedding leaves and plants fading away, we can take this as a cue to clear out the debris in our lives. Just as we remove spent plants, fallen leaves, and debris from our garden beds, we can also let go of things that no longer serve us.
However, it's important not to discard everything. Instead, we can start our personal compost pile by focusing on healthy and positive experiences. Nature's cycle of decomposition and renewal occurs in every aspect of our life. The debris of today becomes the nourishment for tomorrow's growth.
Composting our past experiences can transform what may seem like waste into valuable lessons and self-evolution. This process allows us to cultivate rich, organic matter within ourselves, nourishing our minds and spirits for the seasons ahead.
2. Nourish the Soil: Fall is the perfect time to replenish your mental and emotional nutrients, similar to how fallen leaves naturally fertilize forest floors. Consider adding layers of self-reflection, personal development, and positive habits to your daily routine. Just as you would add compost to your garden soil to enrich it, you can enrich your mind and spirit by practicing mindfulness, learning new skills, or developing positive habits.
Plant metaphorical cover crops like mindfulness or learning new skills, which protect your mind from negative influences and add positivity when integrated into your life. Like a garden ecosystem, think of yourself as a living entity that needs care and feeding to thrive in all areas of your life.
3. Plant for the Future: Nature plants seeds in the Fall for spring growth, just as we can plan for the future by making investments or taking actions that will yield results in the long term. We can invest in our education or training to acquire new skills. My recent skill acquisition has kept me busy in the kitchen as I learn to make sourdough, pressure canning, and ferment foods for my gut health.
We can also extend our "garden's beauty" by nurturing and maintaining relationships with friends and family. These perennial relationships help feed us during our challenges and strife, so putting time and love into their growth is essential. These efforts may not yield immediate results but contribute to our overall well-being and happiness over time.
Just as animals are busy caching food for the long winter months, in terms of finances, we can save and invest for the future. By making these investments now, we are preparing for the future and ensuring we have resources available when needed.
Approaching challenges and difficulties with resilience and knowing that our efforts will eventually yield positive outcomes is Nature's assurance that although change happens, you can help yourself by preparing.
4. Protect and Insulate: Just as animals prepare cozy dens and gather stockpiles of food for Winter, we can use the season of Fall as a guide for our personal growth. We can seek nourishment and protection, both physically and mentally, to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Like mulching beds with organic material to insulate plant roots, we can surround ourselves with supportive and nurturing environments to protect our growth and potential.
By using row covers or cold frames to extend the growing season for cool-weather crops, we can also seek personal and professional growth opportunities, even during challenging times. We must remember to provide ourselves with the care and support we need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
5. Prune and Tidy Thoughtfully: When it comes to self-development, take a cue from Nature's selective approach. In both a garden and in life, it's essential to remove anything that is diseased, damaged, or toxic. Just as you would prune a plant to encourage healthy growth, it's important to let go of negative habits and toxic relationships to foster personal growth and well-being.
However, it's okay to hold onto experiences that have shaped you and provide valuable lessons. Remember, personal growth doesn't mean striving for perfection. Sometimes, what seems messy is a crucial part of our journey and contributes to our overall well-being.
6. Reflect and Plan: As Nature slows down in the Fall, use this time for reflection and planning. This proactive approach allows you to evaluate what worked well in your life this year and what didn't. Make notes, sketch plans for next year, and order those 'seeds' of desire. Use the Fall season to plan for a future you get excited about and conjure those feelings you would have if those things came to fruition immediately. Those feelings and sensations help germinate that seed of dreams and desires, but first, you must plant it in you to take root and grow.
7. Embrace the Season: Rather than seeing Fall as an end, view it as a transition full of unique beauty and opportunities. Enjoy the changing colors, harvest late-season crops, and appreciate the different energy in the garden. Fall teaches us about the beauty of letting go and the promise of things ending. Every fallen leaf makes way for next year's growth and beauty that can be found even in its death.
By following Nature's lead, we can use the fall season as a time of thoughtful transition, preparing ourselves for the quiet reflection of Winter and the renewal of spring. Remember, as in gardening, personal growth requires patience, nurturing, and sometimes a bit of 'fertilizer' like self-reflection, learning from mistakes, or seeking advice to flourish. I encourage you to take these lessons from Nature and apply them to your life this fall, and see the positive changes they can bring.
Comments