Crossing the Bridge from Autumn to Winter

Tapping into the power of now

As I write this we are at the threshold between autumn and winter, we are crossing a bridge, a  seasonal passage. Often, we have already checked out of the energy of the current season, in this case autumn, and are already leaning into what’s coming next. But this in between space, this pause between what was and what’s arriving, holds so much wisdom.

When we take time to pause and notice where we are right now, whether between seasons or in any moment in life  we are gently brought back into the present moment. And the present moment is the only place where life is actually happening, where we can make any change or difference. Whatever has been, whatever we’ve moved through, carries meaning and lessons, but it no longer needs to define us. We don’t have to carry the stories, the pressure, or the expectations forward unless they truly serve us.

Anticipation of what’s next is woven into our nature. We do it  with the seasons, and we do it with our lives. But when we sit exactly where we are, we often notice the subtle shift in our energy, when we allow ourselves to be here, no rushing ahead. This is where we return to our wisdom, our inner knowing and the best part is, the more we do it, the easier it becomes. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger. It gives us our power back and helps us meet ourselves exactly where we are so we can give ourselves what we need.

For many years, I carried a story about November. That it was the worst month of the year. Too dark, too cold, too heavy. And I told myself that once December arrived, everything would feel better. In that story, I missed so many opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and quiet beauty that November was trying to offer me.

This year, something softened. I paused. The old voices were still there telling me I should be doing more, having more energy, being more dynamic. But in truth I was already doing exactly what I needed. I was honoring my need for solitude. For quiet. For a slower pace. I turned my back on the rush and on Black Friday, and turned instead toward what my body and nervous system were actually asking for.

And in doing that, something shifted. Honoring my tiredness. Honoring the slower rhythm. Being okay with rest, however long it lasts. It has changed the way I feel about myself right now, it has acceptance of the right here, right now.

Acting from a place of awareness and intention is where our power lies.

So wherever you find yourself in this season, a lover or a hater of the darker months, I invite you to pause right where you are. Notice the season you’re in, both outside and within. Notice what’s good. Notice what you need. And see if you can act from a place of awareness, intention, and be gentle with yourself.

We are all crossing bridges, in different ways, all the time. May you cross this one with softness and self compassion.