Autumn is nature’s way of telling us it’s time to slow down and reflect on passing time and changes. The vibrant energy of summer fades, and in its place, we find a quiet beauty—crisp air, rustling leaves, and the gradual change of colors. It’s the perfect season to take a step back, reflect, and recharge. If you're feeling the need to ease into the slower rhythm of autumn, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of this peaceful time of year.
1. Reflect on What Matters
Autumn is a season of reflection. After a whirlwind summer of activities, events, and travels, autumn invites us to take stock. Instead of accidentally filling your calendar with random obligations, take some time to consider which areas of your life may have been neglected.
Have you missed quality time with family or friends?
Have you overlooked self-care in the rush of everyday life?
Are there passions or hobbies you’ve put on hold?
This autumn, think about what truly nourishes you and make an intentional effort to reintroduce it into your daily life. Maybe it's journaling, cooking more at home, or learning a new craft. Perhaps you would like to join one of our autumnal workshops, to learn more about how nature connection, biodiversity and wellbeing are all correlated and try out the autumnal floristry class. Autumn’s slower pace is perfect for bringing more balance into your world.
2. Immerse yourself in Autumn Colors
Ireland's landscapes and especially Co. Wicklow are stunning all year round, but there’s something particularly magical about this area in autumn. The forests take on a patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows, inviting us to slow down and simply notice the changes in nature. Start by exploring the Glen of the Downs, where ancient woodlands come alive with the warm tones of the season. You’ll feel the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your boots and breathe in that crisp autumn air.
If you want to experience the best of Wicklow’s autumn scenery, take a wander through the Vale of Clara. The gentle river flows quietly alongside the beech and oak trees, now glowing in shades of gold. If you need a guide through the woodlands, check out our autumnal Forest Bathing session this coming October. You can also join our Mindful Hike in the Derrybawn - Glendalough area to spend some quality time with friends or family members.
3. Find Comfort in Simple Pleasures
On days when the weather keeps you indoors, the Danish concept of hygge - creating coziness and comfort - feels more relevant than ever. Hygge is all about savoring simple, everyday pleasures like lighting a candle, curling up with a blanket and a beloved book, or sharing a warm drink with a friend.
This autumn, make time for those small moments that bring you comfort. Whether it's settling into your favorite chair with a cup of tea, baking something that fills your home with warmth, or simply sitting by the fire, embrace the stillness. Hygge is more than just a cozy atmosphere; it's a mindset that invites you to slow down, relax, and fully appreciate the moment.
4. Reconnect with Nature Through Reading
As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, let nature find you through a good book. “Re-Connection with Nature” by Miles Richardson is an ideal autumn read. Through simple, everyday practices - like mindful walking or paying closer attention to the natural world around you - Richardson reminds us of the powerful impact nature can have on our well-being. It’s the perfect companion for autumn, helping you ground yourself and find balance.
Another great book to dive into this season is “Wild Embrace” by Anja Murray. As an environmentalist and broadcaster, Murray combines rich storytelling with ecological wisdom, offering readers both inspiration and practical advice. "Wild Embrace" is a celebration of the wild spaces that still exist around us, urging readers to explore, cherish, and protect these areas. Murray’s reverence for nature and her call to embrace the wildness within ourselves and our surroundings make this book a compelling and transformative read.
5. Explore Film Therapy
Film therapy is another wonderful way to unwind and reflect during autumn. Certain films can tap into emotions and help us slow down, especially those with themes of nature and personal growth. Two films perfect for this season are the French documentary “The Heart of Oak” and the Japanese drama “Perfect Days”.
The Heart of Oak (L’Odeur de l’arbre) follows the life of an oak tree through its many seasons, offering a quiet, meditative look at the tree’s role in its ecosystem. Watching the slow, deliberate rhythms of nature can be incredibly calming, reminding us to embrace patience and the passage of time.
For a more human-focused story, the Japanese drama “Perfect Days” (directed by Wim Wenders) offers a thoughtful exploration of finding beauty in everyday life. The film follows a man in Tokyo who finds deep contentment in the simple routines of his daily life, from cleaning public toilets to enjoying quiet moments in nature. It’s a gentle reminder that even in the most ordinary routines, there’s room for joy and reflection.
Autumn is a time for slowing down, for breathing more deeply, and for appreciating life’s simpler pleasures. Whether you’re walking through Wicklow’s autumnal woods, curling up with a good book, or finding comfort in cozy moments at home, there are countless ways to embrace the quieter pace of the season. Take this time to reconnect—with nature, with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
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