Layers... A Meditation for Fall Weather

Autumn Weather

What comes to your mind?

Something between 70s - 30s? Cool, crisp, cold, rain, sun, clean, hot. Where I live in northwestern PA, sometimes autumn can bring all those in one day!

And how do we cope with that uncertainty?

We layer: we dress to be prepared for how the weather will change during the day.

With a light jacket, we can feel comfortable if a storm blows in. With short sleeves, we can feel comfortable in a warm room.

Try this:

If you’re able, go outside. Make sure you dress for the weather!

Notice the weather. How would you describe it? Is it humid or dry? Are the clouds high or low? Name your environment.

Notice how your layers feel. Do you feel too warm? Do you feel a chill? Those signals come from our body about what we need to feel comfortable in our environment.

How are your layers serving you?

Now think about your emotional environment. Are you feeling too hot: stressed? Anxious for the future? Or do you feel cold: bored or unfulfilled?

Do you need to put on layers? Or take some off? And what would that mean for you?

Make a plan to do one thing for yourself this week that will make your life more comfortable.

Take off layers by saying “Sorry, I can’t right now” before you’re overextended. Or put on layers by reconnecting with a cozy film.

You can learn to “dress for the weather” with your emotional wellness just like you prepare for an autumn day full of change.

Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful. Take a moment to notice how you feel and decide what you need for the moment and going forward.

Stay strong, stretched, and centered

mj

P.S. Watch Exercise Tuesday’s Tip here or on my social media. Yard work Stretch. Hamstring/hip flexor