September brings us to the start of Autumn, we have the equinox on the 21st, full oon on the 7th and new moon also on the 21st. As the light starts to shift and nights become longer we are invited to think about balance, letting go of old habits and slowly moving into a space of rest. This is a liminal space not quite summer not quite autumn, a perfect time to think about what we want more of and what we want less of.

Monthly Gathering

We’ll meet together on zoom on the last Tuesday evening of the month (30th September) at 7pm. Zoom link here This will be Gathering to include a group meditation, and the opportunity to share and reflect on the months practices.

Your daily pauses

Here are your pauses for the month. Breathe, Move, Notice and Stillness. Feel in to which one really draws you and start with that one. See where you could add it in to your day. And give yourself reminders, whether that’s an alarm on your phone, post it note, something in your diary or other method (and do share with the whatsapp group or come and ask if you want some ideas). There are 4 weeks to this month (plus 2 days) so see what you can build in as your new daily habit. Remember, to build a habit you need to pick one thing and anchor it to something you already do – maybe do the breathwork, everytime you pick up your phone. , consistency is key not perfection – commit to this one month to add in the habit, show up for yourself daily. Plan for obstacles (IF I miss it in the morning I’ll do it at lunchtime instead).

Keep accountable – come and share in the whatsapp group and we can support you to keep going and celebrate the wins with you. Shift your identitiy talk about youself as you want to be ‘I am someone who nurtures myself’

Try the Cue – Routine-Reward system – so everytime I pick up my phone I’ll practice the breath routine, then I’ll check it off my to do list and say ‘that’s just like me’

Breathe

Alternate nostril breathing.

Helps to reduce stress and anxiety and bring balance back into the body.

Move

Better physical balance comes from stong hips, stiff, tight hips are actually weak, so a regular strengthen exericse will really help. Will also help with back and pelvc pain. This is one you can do while cleaning your teeth or waiting in a queue.

Notice

Mindful Eating
Mindful eating can help reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with the body’s “fight-or-flight” response Mindful eating is about enjoying and appreciating food, not restricting yourself. It involves paying close attention to how you feel as you eat, including the texture and tastes of each mouthful, your body’s hunger and fullness signals, and how different foods affect your energy and mood and can help you connect with where your food comes from, how it’s produced, and the journey it’s taken to your plate.

Stillness

Have some extra time? Allow yourself to get comfy and take the opportunity for some deep rest. A deep rest like this allows your body to get into a healing state, your mind to relax and problems to resolve themselves. A truly nurturing opportunity for yourself.

Full Moon Ritual

The 7th September is a full moon. A time to pause and reflect, offer gratitude and contemplate what pattern we may want to let go of. Here is a really gentle ritual meditation that you can listen to. You might want to have a journal and pen to hand.