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Welcoming Fall: reflections for your nature journal
Fall season is here in the Northern Hemisphere and our friends in the southern hemisphere are waking into the new growth of spring. The Fall birds have returned home, (they started singing to me on the first day of Fall!) the sycamore tree is turning yellow and gold, seeds pods and seeds are maturing and bursting. Even though we have sunny warm days, its a bit cooler and the sun beams that stream through the house are getting lower. As we change seasons, it’s a beautiful time to notice what is changing in the nature around us, as well as within us.
What do you notice in your nearby nature? In the way you feel at this time of year?
What moments do you want to remember? And why?
Did you know you can capture these moments in your nature journal?
What’s standing out today:
The Sycamore tree outside my front gate has been growing there for the last five years. As I watch it grow from year to year, I marvel at its pace (how fast it grows!), and get to know its seasonal rhythms. This year it has considerably more leaves than before so I’m gathering them for use in my garden.
Instead of trashing the leaves, I like to view it as treasure. As mulch, dried leaves spread over the ground shades the soil to retain moisture, slows down weed growth and gives back nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. It’s interesting to reflect on the life cycle of these leaves.
It began in early spring
Sycamore grew these leaves in spring, sprouting from tiny buds along each stem. For the past several months, each leaf turned sunlight into food for its growth and leaves provide food for insects. It created shade, shelter and oxygen for us humans, birds and animals. At the end of the growing season, Sycamore prepares to release these mini solar panels so she can rest and the leaves return to the soil and replenish with nutrients.
A Sensory feast
From a sensory perspective, this is a rich time for sounds. The dried leaves on the pavement skitter across the pavement with the breeze, or make a lovely crunchy sound as they are stepped on. It reminds me of a time my young daughter would jump into piles of dried leaves and squeal with joy.
Visually, the patterns of yellow and ochre veins in green leaves are nature’s art original art, the seed pods hanging like solid pompons full of tiny seeds.
Making leaf rubbings before the leaves fall off can be a calming and fun activity with children as well as adults! Add these to your journal along with pressed leaves.
I have watched this tree grow from 5-feet tall to its current 30+ feet. Others of its kind can live into the hundreds of years, I marvel at how they can grow so old and still continue to thrive.
When I take the time to notice, I get to know things about Sycamore that no one else could teach me. I notice details that would go unnoticed otherwise. And I continue to develop threads of connection with this individual each time I stop by. I have a tender kinship with this particular tree, and so I also notice more about other Sycamores that cross my path.
An Equinox invitation for you:
Take some time this week to reflect on the past season. Bring your journal. Sit out in nature, or indoors with a view of nature or recalling a favorite nature spot from your memory. Write words, or sketch or draw, add color, or any combination.
Gather the Harvest:
Which moments, experiences or simple joys have sparked for you this past season, and why?
As you look back, what feels worth pausing to appreciate? What makes it meaningful to you?
What word or phrase captures this season for you?
What have you gathered from this past season that you’d like to carry forward, literally or figuratively?
Is there something that you’re ready to release or lay to rest?
Planting for Next Season:
What would you like to plant or nurture this new season?
Why does this matter to you? What is calling you toward this?
Who or what might support, inspire or accompany you along the way?
When might you make space for this? What is one small, baby-step inspired action to move toward it?
If you'd like to share with me, reply to this email and let me know. I'd love to accompany you along your way. Of if you'd like to come to a Gather in Wonder session to do this activity and/ore share, please check the calendar here.
Join me for Virtual Events
Offered online, 2-3 dates monthly. Open nature journaling time. THIS is a dedicated space for you-- to pause, reflect, and nurture your nature journaling practice- in the company other others with the shared intention.
Bring your journal and we'll have ~30 of quiet dedicated journal time and community sharing and connection afterward. Get your ticket here.
Coupon: $11 for your first visit: Use code 11Gather at check out!
Hope you see you soon!
with wonder and birdsong,
Melinda
Spark Moments:
Recent excursions in Nature
SO many sea lions sleeping in the road in Moss Landing harbor. An impromptu nature journaling-- I share how I did this and easy tips for you- read my blog article here.
Nature is always showing up to catch our attention.
We just need to expand our awareness.
An invitation:
What is nature quietly offering you today?
Step outside (or glance out a window), notice something that catches your eye, and linger with it.
What details emerge as you slow down and really see?
Reply to this email and let me know what you discover!
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