Reflect, release and rebellion

I wonder how you are as we navigate life under the powerful influence of the Supermoon and Harvest Moon. We’re witnessing nature gently yet powerfully transition through Autumn, a season that invites us to slow down, reflect on our harvest and the abundance of our lives, and shed what no longer serves us. I know you know this, but we are part of nature. Let’s witness ourselves… Notice what you notice about your own energy, behaviours, thoughts and feelings right now. Just notice.

The Art of Release

This week, I’ve been sitting with the word “release”. Inspired by the falling leaves, nuts, seeds and fruits (I know, so original). I’ve been reflecting on what I can let go of to nourish my roots and preserve my energy. What can I offer to serve others? Our apple tree is releasing her fruit in abundance right now and it is so inspiring. We've watched patiently as flower buds bloomed and turned gradually into fruits. I'm reflecting on how sometimes what we release can nourish those around us. Whether it be because we have more energy to share, are more pleasant to be around (speaking for myself) or are able to be enlivened by a passion project that will serve the world somehow.

The leaves I’ve released this week are expectation and perfectionism. 

Expectation

My plan to be productive and “get shit done” while my daughter spent time with my mum, completely went out of the window. Instead of ignoring my bone-deep lethargy and pushing through my to-do list, with caffeine, I went back to bed. For a 90-minute nap! It was challenging because it felt like I was wasting time.

My house looked like a storm had passed through it, dinner was… let’s just say uninspired, and more in keeping with my former life as a student. And most items on my to do list (including this blog) remained undone. When I woke from my nourishing nap I realised that this choice had protected me from becoming undone. And I pondered over the many times I have chosen productivity over presence with myself. This time I chose myself over productivity. It may sound small, but to me, it’s huge. 

Perfectionism

“Done is better than perfect” This is my mantra whenever my inner perfectionist starts nagging me. Which is often.

Lately, I’ve been letting good enough be good enough. Actually, I’ll rephrase that. I’m letting good enough be perfect. (My inner perfectionist is comforted by this, ha ha). It feels like a small act of rebellion against the voice that says I must do more, be more, be perfect. The voice of our society that was not built for us to thrive. Aspiring to be perfect is our fearful response and it is unsustainable.

I've been practicing cutting corners and being mindful about where I pour that energy instead. Noticing what I'm prioritising through my actions. When we observe ourselves this way it can be quite shocking! "I spent how much time scrolling?!" It's all a choice, albeit unconscious at times. And this lead me to a deeper question... Do I even know what my priorities are? Mine shift often, and that’s okay. Each time I pause and re-prioritise, I find that when I put first things first, and focus on doing instead of perfecting, there’s enough time for what really matters.

If this resonates I have some questions for you to ponder. You could journal or meditate on them. Or just read them and see what, if anything, sticks. And of course you can skip them entirely! You know best.

The fruits I am harvesting

Being more discerning over how I spend my energy has enabled me to have a more nourishing life experience this week. Recently I had been feeling far too tired to attend social gatherings and it was getting me down. I had to cancel many plans over summer to rest and repair from burnout (I'll be writing about this soon, I'm sure). I realised that gathering with friends is something I actually need to prioritise. So cutting corners in some areas resulted in:

• Having dinner and seeing a show with my sisterhood of amazing women

• Meeting for playdates with my lovely Mum friends

• Deeper connection and core memories made with my darling daughter

• Redesigning and ordering Women's Circle flyers (after many hours of creative blocks and perfectionism).

I feel nourished. I feel proud. Honouring what really matters to us can have profound impacts on the rest of our lives.

Journal Prompts for the Week

1. Where do I strive to be perfect in my life?

2. What am I ready to release - emotionally, mentally, or physically?

3. What is the fruit I feel called to offer to the world?

4. Where in my life am I holding onto expectations that drain my energy?

5. What would “good enough” look like for me right now?

6. What truly matters to me this season?

   
   

Take your time with these. Let your answers unfold gently, like leaves drifting to the ground.

A Simple Breathing Practice for Letting Go

Try this short breathing exercise whenever you feel tension or resistance. It can help to imagine a specific feeling or word you'd like to release as you breath.

1. Inhale gently through your nose for a count of 4 - imagine your breath is the wind, shaking the leaves on your tree of life.

2. Hold for a count of 2 - relish in the still, silent pause.

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6 - imagine leaves drifting from a tree, releasing what no longer serves you.

4. Repeat for 3 - 5 rounds.

   
   

 Quote of the Week

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” - Unknown

As we move deeper into Autumn, may we each remember that letting go is necessary for us to return to what matters most. And that we each have fruit to share to nourish the world. There is so much power and peace to be cultivated from choosing to release what feels heavy, unhelpful and distracting. Your nourishment is a priority.

Let’s choose ourselves over perfection, rest over rushing, and presence over productivity.

And remember: Done is better than perfect.

With love,

Lucy xxx