While you may have switched out of summer mode a couple of weeks ago, at the beginning of September, September 22 is officially the last day of summer. Tomorrow, we greet autumn, get to experience as much darkness as daylight, and can celebrate all that this new season will bring.
Even though autumn is one of the most sensory of all seasons, it sometimes gets a bad rap. We often associate it with letting go of a beloved summer feeling more than welcoming the passage into the cooler and more settled time of year. But over here, we're all about falling in love with each season for all it has to offer. So, let's give it a go. Here are some ideas for how to welcome autumn outdoors with your family and try to enjoy all that's coming your way.
01. Take a Moment Outdoors to Talk Autumn
When we spend time outdoors nowadays, it is clear that change is in the air. It's become cooler. Days already feel shorter. Leaves may have already started changing colors. Take time to be in nature and spot some of what is happening. Talk about those changes autumn will bring, and not just to the great outdoors. How does this new season change dynamics within your family? When we find the changes naturally occurring around us, it becomes easier to celebrate them.
02. Find Your Balance, During a Time of Balance
Autumn represents a chance to recenter ourselves. The cooler weather brings us closer to home, a second harvest brings us closer, once again, to the earth, holidays brings us closer together and the kick off to the season - the autumn equinox - actually brings us closer to balance. There is equal amount of daylight as there is darkness. If you practice yoga, this is a great time to recenter your body as well. If you don't, maybe it's a good time to try. Head outdoors and move through mindful, peaceful poses that celebrate you, your body, the earth and our gratitude. You can add to this, or if you're not into yoga, focus entirely on reflection and gratitude in other ways. Consider starting a gratitude journal or a grateful tree in a special place outdoors.
03. Be Inspired to Create in Autumn
Let's view autumn as an inspiring place in which we can create and innovate. Head outdoors with your children's favorite supplies (be it music or art, paper and pencil, tools or open-ended prompts, whatever it is that they love) to a place where you are surrounded completely by nature. Talk about what you see. Point out natural materials. Ask what your children enjoy about the experience. Then, see what creations come out of this inspiring space.
04. Experience Autumn's Harvests + Traditions
You may already have plans for this. Autumn brings many the chance to pick late year fruits and vegetables, to arrange cornucopias and to celebrate some wonderful holidays. Head to the farm and go crazy over apples, pumpkins, squash, root- and leaf crops. Make them part of your meals. Make their smells part of your homes. Make them into picnics. And of course, make them part of the holidays we celebrate during fall.
05. Enjoy the Nighttime Outdoors
Autumn is a great time to take part in nighttime activities. It's not yet cold enough for the major bundling up and night comes earlier and earlier with each passing day making it possible to experience for early sleepers. As daylight dwindles, head outdoors to watch the moon rise. Spend an evening star gazing and talk about how the night sky changes from season to season. Listen for nocturnal animals as their world comes alive. Go on night hikes and consider camping - even in your own backyard - to take in all the night has to offer.
With the last day of summer, there is much to be grateful for and with the arrival of autumn, there is much to celebrate. Let's carve out time to welcome the season that gives us so much.