Seasons

As we move from Autumn into Winter, this months newsletter theme is around seasons and the movement into the darker months, both internally and externally. To me, seasons are a reminder of the passing of time - of points for renewal, reflection, reconnection, rebirth. Sounds powerful, natural, intuitive. So what is it about these qualities that we are so prone to resisting?  As humans and society, especially women, we often actively resist experiencing them as they are intended. 

As we journey through autumn the trees that frame our paths, roads and railways are at their most vibrant and eye catching; the reds and oranges are creating the most beautiful explosion of colour. You cannot but be in awe of nature showing its beauty. Autumn for me brings the pause after the busy Summer. The Harvest Full moon arrived with her opportunities to reflect on abundance and gratitude for the light of the long days. It begins the invitation to slow, to gather, to celebrate and to move into a season of integration and recharging. As we drift towards Winters edge, the darker evenings reflect the need for longer rest. To shed the excess leaves and spend the energy strengthening the roots. Releasing to make room to grow stronger, taller and more abundant. 

But, for many, when we reflect these seasons in our lives, this is the period  we fight against most. We try to stay in an endless Summer. The societal pressure to remain  youthful, fun, constantly on the go - she can have it all! - but can we enjoy all at once?

Are we collectively being pushed into a false sense of achievement that leaves us burnt out, with longer to-do lists, harder hearts and always looking at how far we’ve to go, rather than how far we’ve come? Rinse and repeat culture. 

As the season changes and I feel the pull of the darker days to slow down and retreat inwards, I want less, I want space, I want the capacity to choose what I allow in and out of my orbit. Of course this choice is not equal, nor do I buy into the “good vibes only” movement - a topic for another newsletter, perhaps. But why does making a choice that feels right in my body go against the grain of society? Why are we encouraged in these months to do more? 

We’re losing our connection with cycles, in nature and with ourselves. We are destroying nature, the climate and our ability to sit which we other and have difficult conversations. The constant push of our capitalist models are draining the world around us, and our mental health. How in a time of such abundance and access do we have a mental health crisis on our hands? 

In the age of information we know so little about women’s health and talking about hormones is still quite an awkward conversation in a lot of workplaces. Why is it that we know the ins and out of retinol but there is so much misinformation around HRT? 

Why is the menopause something feared and un researched but the botox industry is worth billions of dollars each year? 

With less green spaces, the expense of travel and the accessibility of phones and screens, on the whole, we are  spending more time sat indoors looking at screens and our time in nature is drastically reduced, further sucking us in to our devices and disconnectedness. 

But, there is always hope. Times are changing. In fact, the Melinda Gates Foundations has committed to investing $2.5 billion through 2030 into Women’s Health (Source: The Gates Foundation Website*). We’re coming together in community  spaces, reconnecting to ourselves by connecting with others. We’re talking more openly about mental health, women’s health and the challenges of the “having it all dream”.

What I’ve noticed from the beautiful spaces I’ve facilitated recently is we’re all a bit tired of the pushing and are ready to take some time to be. Just be, no advice, no “shoulds” or apologies, just be, with ourselves, each other, collectively. 

I will be creating more opportunities for these spaces in the coming months and would love to bring as many of us together as possible. Think some movement, some deep breathing, hot cacao, sharing, journalling, and reflecting on what “be-ing” is to us and in community. No fixing, no correcting, just coming as you are and being honest about that. Gathering right now is the most powerful thing we can do - connecting and resonating on how we’re all feeling the strain of a system that can’t hold us.

There is power in the collective, let’s lean in.

With love,

Lisa x