september
season of reflection
As the golden hues of autumn sweep across the landscape, there’s a natural invitation to slow down and prepare for the shorter days ahead. The summer’s vibrancy and intensity gradually give way to a quieter, more introspective season. This transition is a perfect time to nourish ourselves—body, mind, and spirit—stocking our store cupboards with herbal remedies and delicious ferments that will see us through the winter.
The last few months have been a journey of learning and unlearning for me. As a woman, I've often felt that expressing my anger or speaking my mind too freely was somehow inappropriate or unwelcome. There's an unspoken expectation to always be agreeable, to keep the peace, and to let things slide. But what I've come to realise is that stifling my feelings, particularly anger, was taking a toll on me. It was like carrying around a heavy weight, one that drained my energy and dimmed my spirit.
Autumn, with its emphasis on letting go, seems like the perfect time to release these beliefs. It has taught me that while it's important to trust the process, there's also power in taking charge of it. Setting boundaries isn't just about keeping negativity at bay; it's an act of self-love and respect. It's about acknowledging that my feelings, anger included, are valid and deserve to be expressed in a healthy way.
Reflecting on the summer, I realised how much I had been running on empty, suppressing not just anger but a whole range of emotions. I was hoping things would just turn out okay, but sometimes hope isn't enough. It's about taking action—setting boundaries, trusting myself, and acknowledging when something isn't serving me. Since doing so, I've felt a sense of lightness and increased productivity I hadn't realised I was missing.
It's a work in progress, of course. Healing isn't a straight path, but each day, I take more positive steps. I've learned that expressing anger doesn't make me "unladylike" or "difficult." It makes me honest and authentic. It's an essential part of being human and taking care of myself.
A reminder to check in with yourself
As we move into this season of reflection and slowing down, I encourage you to check in with yourself. Consider where you might need to set boundaries or express feelings you've been holding back. Anger, when expressed healthily, can be a powerful force for change and self-understanding. Find ways to release it, whether through journaling, physical activity, or talking with a trusted friend.
And if you're looking for a way to help balance your energy, consider acupuncture to get your Qi moving. It's a gentle practice that can support both physical and emotional well-being. It’s been transformative for me!
Have you experience anything like this? What has helped you in this difficult moments?
In this season of change, it's essential to align with the natural rhythm of nature by embracing stillness and grounding practices. The whirlwind energy of summer can leave us feeling scattered and drained, so autumn is our opportunity to reconnect with ourselves. This grounding process involves savouring the moment, being present, and embracing activities that foster calmness and balance.
I love this time of year and I’ve created a day course all about it. More details can be found below and at the following link:
Seasonal Store Cupboard // Autumn 12th October course details
Eating seasonally can be a powerful way to stay grounded. As the days grow colder, our bodies crave the warmth and nourishment of sweet root vegetables and leafy greens. Foods like carrots, beets, and kale not only provide essential nutrients but also help us feel more connected to the earth. Incorporating warming and grounding spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric into meals can enhance digestion and promote a sense of inner warmth and comfort.
Preparing for the colder months means filling our homes with remedies and foods that support our well-being. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and skullcap, can soothe nerves. Tinctures and syrups made from echinacea or elderberry can be handy allies during the winter months to ward off colds and flu.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are not only delicious but also provide a boost to our gut health. The probiotics in these foods can enhance digestion, support the immune system, and improve mood—key elements to feeling our best as we navigate the darker days.
seasonal store cupboard course // autumn
Learn how to maximise the flavour and potency of your autumn meals using seasonal ingredients and fill your store cupboard. Discover the art fermenting for enhanced digestibility and nutritional benefits.
Be inspired to get your 30 different plants a week through delicious and wholesome dishes. Delight your taste buds with nourishing sweet treats crafted without refined sugar.
Key learning points on the course:
How to use fermented foods to maximise the gut health benefits
How to reduce inflammation and boost energy and mood
Wild food uses and benefits
Stocking your store cupboard with nourishing ferments, granola, digestive sprinkles and treats
How to make energising broths and seasonal soups
The benefits and uses of medicinal mushrooms and herbs
How to make your own tea blends for the season
Delicious inspiration for breakfast, lunch, dinner + treats
Date: 12th October, 10:00 to 17:30
Address: Down to Earth, Little Bryn Gwyn, Cilibion, Swansea SA3 1BG
Price: £150 pp (limited to 12 spaces)
foraging clwb
22nd September our last one of the year in Rhossili focussing on coastal hedgerows.
Grab the last places to fill your pantry with foraged goodies and inspiration!
meg’s retreat
my lovely friend is also running a retreat next weekend (20th to 22nd) at Felinganol and has a couple of spaces remaining.
She’s offering a last minute discount of:
Shared treehouse for £275 + single hut for £320 (everything is included!).
If you’re interested please contact Megan directly (movingwithmegyoga@gmail.com). Also if you know anyone who maybe interested please share.
More tips for the season
As the winds pick up and the air grows crisper, our skin can become more sensitive and dry. This is a gentle nudge to take extra care of ourselves. Rich, nourishing skincare routines can become rituals of self-love. Using natural oils like jojoba or almond can protect and hydrate the skin, while self-massage can promote circulation and a sense of grounding.
Hydration is key during this transition, too. While we may turn to warm drinks, we must remember to keep our bodies well-hydrated. Adding slices of lemon or herbal infusions to our water can make staying hydrated more enjoyable and beneficial.
Biggest cwtch to you all and I hope to see you soon!
Much love,
Jasmin xx