Autumn - a time for the forager's harvest
- Eileen Strong
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
An Awakening in the Woods
The woods are buzzing with a beautiful sense of urgency just now.ย
If you've walked through a beech woodland, you've likely seen the squirrelsโthose tiny, industrious foragersโbusily stashing away their winter bounty.
The squirrels, of course, are not just gathering fallen bountyย for today; they're driven by an instinct to prepare for the future, ensuring they have enough to see them through the colder, leaner months.
This act of gathering and storing is a powerful metaphor for our own lives and our holistic well-being, and it feels especially resonant now, during a time of great change.
Many of us are experiencing a collective shiftโa quiet yet profound rise in human consciousness. We are waking up to new ways of thinking and being, questioning old beliefs, and seeking a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
Navigating our Prickly Harvest as a valued part of our Soul Journey
The bristly husks of the beechnuts remind us that this spiritual growth isn't always easy.ย
We often have to navigate our own "prickles" don't we โthe uncomfortable emotions, difficult changes, or challenging truths that can be part of this awakening.
But by moving through these challenges, we can access the nourishing reward within. We can learn to feel our way through the challenges, becoming aware of those uncomfortable emotions and simply allowing them without judgement.
Just as the squirrel knows the sweet nut lies beyond the sharp exterior, our inner wisdom knows that the difficult work we do now is what leads to a more expansive, conscious life.
This autumn, let's take a cue from the squirrels and participate in this collective awakening.
Be Part of the Collective Awakening:
6 Top Tips : Small Actions that make a Big Difference
Let's ask ourselves,
"What are we gathering now to ensure our well-being in the future?ย
" What small acts of nourishment can we add to our stores to prepare for the road ahead?
Here are a few ideas on ways to nurture your soul:
A few extra minutes of quiet time to simply be.
Instead of checking your phone, spend five minutes just watching the steam from your morning coffee rise.
Take a moment before you get out of the car to sit in silence.
A new healthy recipe to nourish your body and soul.
Learn to make a comforting soup to have on hand for a chilly evening.
Experiment with a new, vibrant vegetable you've never cooked before.
A walk in nature to ground yourself.
Notice the way the light filters through the autumn leaves.
Feel the cool air on your face and listen to the sound your feet make on the ground
A new skill or hobby
Something to spark curiosity and keep your mind active during the quieter months.
Try a new creative outlet like sketching, knitting, or learning to play a simple song on an instrument.
A connection with a friend or family member
A call, a visit, or a simple text to strengthen your relationships.
Post a hand-written card to let someone know you're thinking of them.
Schedule a regular coffee or tea date, either in person or virtually.
A moment of gratitude
Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small.
Before you go to sleep, name three good things that happened that day. They can be as simple as a warm cup of tea or a friendly wave from a neighbor.
When a moment of joy occursโlike seeing a beautiful sunset or hearing your favorite song on the radioโpause for a second and just feel it fully.
In doing so, we're not just taking care of ourselves; we're actively participating in the beautiful, ongoing harvest of human consciousness.
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