September is here again and we have to acknowledge that Summer is ‘officially’ over for those of us in the Northern hemisphere.
This time of year I usually write something about ‘back to school’ and getting back into the swing of things after a relaxing summer break. It’s interesting to sometimes stop and observe ourselves and the patterns that we develop through our lives. The change of seasons, once honored by rituals originally based on our need to live in harmony with nature and the natural world, no longer apply to many of us. The supermarket keeps supplying our favorite foods year round. We don’t have to worry about planning by putting food away for the winter. We don’t have to prepare the ground for next year’s planting season. Yet, we still honor the change of seasons by changes in lifestyle. For example, we start to rev-up again in September, whether we have children in our lives going back to school or not. Now is the time we look to join fun classes, start a fitness program, go back to school, try new things, etc.
And one of the things we do in September is to move in with sweethearts and to get married. I always thought June was the most popular month to get married in. Starting lives together by celebrating the lazy days of summer, beautiful weather for photos on the big day, perfect time to take a vacation/honeymoon, and the longer days always lifting our spirits and making us feel happy and healthy. Good time to start a relationship! Well, it turns out that September is now just as popular for weddings as June!
The changing patterns of our modern lives, really has September as a starting month for so many things that I guess marriage or moving in together has become a new tradition. So, I propose that this September instead of just focusing on getting the kids back into routines andsigning up for classes and new hobbies, we take time to honor those we love in our lives. February might be Valentine’s month and June is for honeymooners, but I think we can celebrate those we love and care for more often. This September take some time to tell your loved ones that you love them. Let those around you that you love know you love them, by words and actions. When was the last time you did that? Not just your sweetheart, but all those people who mean something to your daily life.
Take a moment, right now if you can, it won’t take long. Close your eyes and take a couple of long, slow, deep breaths. Let your shoulders relax and feel the space between your shoulders and your ears. As you allow yourself the luxury of breathing and tuning into to your body, relax and allow your mind to drift and begin to think of all the people that mean something special to you. All those people in your life who make life worth living! I’ve worked with students in the classroom and with clients doing this exercise. It’s often a surprise to see who turns up in your mind as important. When you are ready, open your eyes and if appropriate make a list of all these people you love. (Oh, and your pets most likely will have made it to this list too!)
This September, in the spirit of “love is in the air” and all the happy new couples starting life together around the globe, take time to acknowledge those people in your life that you love. Let them know you love and appreciate them.
One thing I’ve found out over the years and something I teach daily is that “where ever you focus your attention, that’s what you bring into your life”. So focus on love this September and bring more love into your lives! Next month, we’ll look at “doing what we love” and keep the loving theme running through the Autumn.
FYI, I’m taking this September as a vacation—September 6 is my wedding day and I’m taking the rest of the month to travel with my husband. Our administrator Emma Fairbrass will be taking a few days off at the beginning of the month too, but the School is open and classes are running. You may still register on-line or by mail and I’ll be back in touch in October with a new newsletter.
Keep well,
Jacqueline Fairbrass
