Autumn Mindfulness

Autumn is in the air, so it's a great time to take a look at some mindfulness practice we can do in this beautiful season.

Colourful Leaves

Now is the season where leaves start to change colour from green to all shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Look at the variety of colours in the trees and leaves on the ground. Take one leaf and look closely at it - observe the texture of the leaf, is it rough or smooth, how does it feel in your hands, is it warm or cool, is it all one colour or does the colour vary across the surface, are there spots and flecks, are the edges flat or curved?

Sweeping Leaves

This is a classic mindfulness practice. While sweeping leaves try to keep your attention on the feel and action of sweeping. It is common for our minds to wander during monotonous tasks so when you notice your mind has wandered just acknowledge it and gently bring your attention back to sweeping. Your mind may wander hundreds of times but just keep bringing it back. 

The Sounds of Autumn

Take a moment to listen to the sounds around you - the rustle of the wind through the leaves, the creak of the tree branches, the changing birdsong as birds start to migrate. It can be surprising how many sounds we miss when we're not actively listening.

The Leaf Stomp

This one I learned from my personal mindfulness tutor - my toddler. Stamp on every leaf in sight and delight in the sound and feel of the crunchy leaves beneath your feet. Kick the piles of leaves (as long as you're sure nothing is sleeping in there) and watch how they fall and settle back on the ground.

Autumn Memories

Take a deep breath and notice the slight smell of decay in the air as the leaves start turning to mulch to ready the soil for Spring's new growth. You may notice the smell of bonfire smoke at this time of year too. What other things can you smell? Our sense of smell can conjure up some strong memories - what are you reminded of? Halloween celebrations? Childhood memories of playing in the park? If you want to, spend some time with those memories, but if unpleasant memories are stirred then acknowledge them and allow them to pass in their own time. Don't forget to bring yourself back to the present moment when you're done - observing the sights, sounds and smells around you or by simply focusing on your own breath.