I want to begin this video by challenging our idea of a reset ritual or routine, because it always seems to be depicted in a specific way. I think of things like Sunday reset days: deep cleaning, long showers, and planning for the week ahead. These are all wonderful, but it gets a bit redundant when you see the same thing every time. We know that deep cleaning and staying organized is good for us, we know that it feels like a reset, but why is that? I want to paint a clearer picture of what I think a reset is defined by, and then we will get into the seasonal ritual in and of itself. We always need to start with the basics.
To me, a reset feels like resetting a clock or charging something. It feels like cleansing, getting rid of what is no longer serving our souls to make space for what is entering our life. It’s something that makes you feel refreshed and new.
The reason why I focus on this definition is because the routine you are about to see, although I find it to be healing and fulfilling, is only scratching the surface of the ways to deepen your inner wellness. It’s not about what you do, but how it makes you feel.
Whatever you do that brings you peace, clarity, compassion, and fills you with love, that’s the truest reset you can give yourself. If that means dancing all night at a music festival, camping for the weekend, hiking up a mountain or just staying in bed reading all day with a candle by your side, then do that thing. It’s important to add variety into these rituals and routines, as it keeps us open minded and fulfilled. The more we experience the more clarity we gain. So please keep that in mind as you watch this.
Ok, now let’s reset together so we have more space for joy and love this fall.
Get Out in the World: Autumn Outings
Maybe it’s just me but I feel like when I think of a “reset routine” I automatically think of activities that are confined to the home or to time spent alone. Obviously there is so much value in spending time with yourself all cozy at home but getting outside and exploring and having fun either with just yourself or the people you love is what I feel like life is all about. To start your reset by doing something that’s fun is a wonderful and lighthearted way to remember your humanity and why you do the things that you do.
Fall is also a season where there are seasonal activities open for only a few months: pumpkin patches, apple picking, and catching random wafts of pumpkin spice as you’re just going about the day. Leaving your usual routine places gives you the opportunity to have these unique once-a-year experiences.
Linger in the Quiet and Fleeting Light
Although the world is slowly darkening in Northern Hemisphere and days are becoming shorter, there is still more opportunity to spend time outside now than in a couple short months. I love going on hikes this time of year because the weather is perfect for outdoor activity. If it’s warm enough this might be the last feasible time of year to do things like camping or backpacking unless you have gear for colder weather.
It’s also beautiful to just wander around and explore the changing colors. I love watching the landscape change and even though it’s pretty dry and brown right now it serves as a reminder for me to shed my own burdens and limiting beliefs in order to make space for winter’s reflecting energy and the new year.
Autumn Inspired Food and Movement
It’s a whole lot harder to come up with ideas for anything when we are looking at such a broad scope, and for me this includes recipes. Cooking seasonally not only brings me the joy and nostalgia of experiencing fall flavors but it also helps me to come up with simple recipes. I never cook anything too complicated but rather I like to combine seasonal ingredients into bowls that I can eat throughout the week. Recently, there has been a lot of hearty vegetables, squash and sweet potatoes making the rounds.
I’m also someone who really relies on how I’m feeling and just quite simply what feels right for my body when it comes to exercising. My workout routine is pretty spontaneous in terms of what I actually do, I just make sure to carve out the time I need. Like I mentioned in the last section I’ve been doing more hiking recently, alongside easy morning yoga flows. They feel in tune with my body and the season.
Embrace Evenings and Time at Home
At this point I’ve put a lot of energy into going outside of your home but fall is also a cozy and darker season, perfect for embracing the time you spend indoors. Along with whatever environmental reset you may do to switch up the vibe of your space, you should also enjoy it too. Enjoy the warm and cozy kitchen, nights spent crafting or socializing whenever you have time.
Seasonal Rituals & Spiritual Practices
In a true effort to reset and ground ourselves into the energy of this season. Let’s start with the little bits of magic that although are commonly overlooked, dramatically effect our presence and experience on this earth. Let’s start by tuning into the 5 senses.
Sight— Bring in fall decor and colors: Pumpkins, warm lighting, or dried foliage and flowers.
Sound— It’s folk season! Make a playlist or simply tune into the sounds of natural world.
Smell— Burn plant-wax based candles with fall scents, insence, and cook with pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vibrant savory spices
Taste— Enjoy roasted veggies, seasonal beverages, and hot soups.
Touch— Wrap yourself in cozy blankets, sweaters, fuzzy socks, or holding something warm like a mug of tea or a heating pad.
Now that we are feeling in tune with fall’s energy, we can use this as a time to tap into our deeper wishes, goals, desires and reflections to really cultivate a deeper sense of wellness, gratitude and joy for ourselves in these coming months. One way to do this is through committing to some mindful activity, whether it be meditation, journaling, walks outside or whatever is calling your name. Just be careful to not fall into a trap of perfection, this is a tool to use to better your life, not one to obsess over. If you miss a day, use that as an opportunity to build resilience and compassion towards yourself.
Life is a constant opportunity to open ourselves to joy and peace, all while navigating challenges, a sea of emotions, and every other human being in this world doing the exact same thing. Take it day by day, season by season. Focus your reset in whatever makes you feel more open and clear. Focus on that feeling, and if nothing I shared in this video inspires those emotions, then allow yourself to be called to something else. Be creative, and allow yourself to be inspired. I hope these few minutes you just spent opened your heart up to just a bit of the inspiration that is available to you.
