Tend To Yourself Thursday {9/12}: Crafting Intentions For The Changing Season
As the world whispers of change, with leaves beginning their fall from stem to earth, I’m drawn to reflect on the art of intention-setting. For souls like ours – who are multifaceted, juggling multiple responsibilities, and carrying the weight of the world in our hearts – this practice can be both powerful and nuanced.
We stand at the cusp of a new season, feeling the pull of possibility and the push of expectation. Society tells us to hustle, to set grand goals, to transform ourselves with the turning of the leaves, as well as slow down. But for those of us who feel deeply, who see the layers beneath the surface, such demands can feel overwhelming.
Instead, I invite you to join me in a gentler approach, one that honors your inner wisdom and allows for the ebb and flow of your inner world:
The Seasonal Soul-Tending Ritual
Find a quiet moment, perhaps as the sun rises or sets, marking the transition of day. Settle into a comfortable space, grab a journal your phone to take notes, and light a candle. Take a few deep breaths, letting go of anything non-essential, allowing your body to soften, and notice your heart.
Now, consider these questions, letting your answers arise without judgment:
- What has my soul been whispering, that I’ve been too busy to hear? What ideas or insights have I been ignoring?
- What do I need to let go of just for this season? What beliefs or patterns aren’t serving me anymore?
- How do I want to grow this season? What new experience do I want to cultivate?
- How can I tend to myself as the world around me continues on?
As you reflect, jot down words, phrases, or images that emerge. These are the seeds of your intentions. They need not be grand or definitive. Perhaps they’re as simple as “take more strategic pauses in my day” or “follow through on my new boundary.”
Choose one or two. Place them somewhere you’ll see daily – your planner, a sticky note on your mirror, or set them as your phone background.
Each day, take a moment to reconnect with these intentions. Not as tasks to complete, but as gentle realignments with yourself and your intentions.
Remember, you are not meant to force yourself into a mold of constant productivity or transformation. Honor your natural strengths by setting intentions that nourish rather than deplete you.
If you find yourself struggling to connect with your intentions or feeling overwhelmed by the changing season, know that you’re not alone. The transition between seasons can stir up complex emotions and old patterns. This is where the support of psychotherapy can be particularly valuable, offering a safe space to explore these depths and nurture your growth.
Until next Thursday, may your intentions be both inspiring and nurturing.
Warmly,
Elana