FROM THE LAMPLIGHTER CHAPTERS

Autumn is upon us! A time of changing seasons and welcome opportunities. September holds a unique place in my heart as it signals the start of the “ber” months and what I call the “Light Festivals”. These months offer a chance for renewal, growth, and reflection to each and every one of us. September signifies the beginning of Autumn’s essence and as the equinox draws closer, I like to use this month to focus on my spiritual self.

Inviting September Into My Well-being

The shift in seasons symbolises the natural cycles of change and reminds me that life is not permanent. It encourages me to adapt and find beauty in the ebb and flow of my days.

As a child, I remember Harvest Time being one of my favourite festivals and it still is! A last burst of hard work to reap the fruits of labour, prepare for when the land turns bare and be thankful for what we have.

September encourages me to be mindful of the changes occuring within myself too. It isn’t always easy but I try to take time to reflect on my personal growth and lessons I’ve learned throughout the year.

Setting Intentions

Often, I consider setting meaningful intentions for the month ahead. Why wait until New Year? Autumn is a great time for this as I like to give the house a good clean, put things away and mend or renew. This filters through into my mind as I declutter both simultaneously.

Thinking about what I hope to achieve, gives me direction and purpose and tidying my living spaces help me to feel less overstimulated.

Embrace Nature

September’s weather is often a gift here in the UK. We use phrases like “Indian Summer” when the sun we thought had left us, (as the temperature drops towards the end of August), returns for a final hoorah.

Whilst many children return to school at this time, we choose to home educate and so, our family are able to make space each day to pause and enjoy the freedoms on our doorstep. I am so thankful to be able to take full advantage of our alternative lifestyle and go out into the elements at any time of the day.

If my children were at school, I would whisk them away at 3pm for tea in the garden and evening sun.

Mindfulness & Meditation

I admit to finding it hard, if not impossible to dedicate moments in my day to meditate. I try, but my downfall is not being consistent enough. Instead, I immerse myself in the natural world as often as I can and I find this to be deeply healing.

I highly recommend making the effort in the evenings while the weather holds out…or even when it doesn’t!

• Take your shoes off and walk in the grass. There’s no excuse. You can do it in your garden.
• Dip your toes in the river if you can or a bowl of cool water if you’re at home.
• Breathe.
• Go to bed earlier! Reflection is something I indulge in almost daily and usually when I climb into bed. It’s often the only time I can be still and quiet therefore I use the end of the day to gain clarity, process my thoughts and find some inner peace.

In Tune & Immersed

Usually, this month, I can start to feel a coolness whispering in, early in the mornings. I like to use the time when I wake, to intuitively embrace Autumn as she arrives. By tuning in to my surroundings and paying attention to my breathing I find my senses are heightened and I begin my day with a real appreciation for what I have.

There are some specific habits I intentionally practice, several times a week (or more if I can) as I wake to the seasonal shift in the air.

• I try to wake early enough to look out of the window at the morning sky. Whatever the weather, it’s nice to lie still and just watch. Whether it be the rain or clouds blowing across, sunrise or clear blue. Just for a few minutes, I am part of the audience.
• If I can manage to drag myself out of the covers before 7am, I tiptoe downstairs and with hot tea and a fleece blanket. I like to go and sit outside alone. There’s something about being out just before the world wakes that hits different. To listen to the birds stirring and observe a September sunrise from the comfort of my own yard brings me a calm and peaceful start to my day.
• Eventually the mornings grow darker on my side of the world. If the rain or cold keeps me in my bed instead of tea in the garden, it’s a candle I light and I just sit. Still and restful. I sip my cup until I absolutely have to get up.

Gratitude

I talk about gratitude a lot! I cannot begin to tell you how effective practising gratitude is for your well-being. We shy away from it because to begin with it feels… silly. But doing so makes life so much sweeter.

Try to notice new reasons to be thankful for this season. The changing colours of the leaves. The way the steam rises from your porridge. The warm coat or hat you put on. Evening strolls in golden, fading sunshine. Cosy evenings, family and friends.

Embrace The Change

The fall offers us a unique opportunity to watch how Earth deals with change and this can help to deepen the understanding of our own lives.

Change will not wait for us. The old saying “This Too Shall Pass,” could not be truer. As we walk bravely forward through the last quater of the year, we can listen and allow beautiful Autumn to show us how to notice more, slow down and let go.

© 2025 Juliette Proffitt ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Updated from 2023)

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