Returning to Essence: Preparing for Autumn’s Embrace
Rekindling Routines: Sustaining Yourself Through Seasonal Transitions
Hello, sweet human,
Welcome to The Pause!
Happy September. How’s it feeling so far?
I said it last week and will say it again: it is still Summer. (unless you’re Down Under).
I don’t care how much pumpkin-spiced perfume they mist into every major store, or how much cinnamon you try to drizzle over my latte; the fact that I am sitting here in shorts and a tank top, sweating, tells me that we still have 13 days until the change of season, and I intend to bask in the last bits of Summer, and I hope you’ll join me.
September often feels like a second January for creative people.
It’s a wonderful time to pause and reevaluate, to shed what no longer serves you and rekindle what supports you.
September is the in-between, a space to reflect and recognize what is essential and what is extra weight as we enter the darker, colder days of Autumn and Winter.
Returning to the Essence
In the heat of Summer, it’s easy to lose yourself a little, to let go of the strictness of day-to-day duties and to-do lists when you have more space.
You might have forgotten about routines and rituals that sustain you.
This is why returning to the routines and monotony of daily life after Summer can be so challenging.
But it can also be an opportunity to recalibrate yourself and your habits, returning to the essence of what you truly need to sustain yourself through the ups and downs that the new season brings.
Journaling Exercise
This week, I encourage you to take 10-15 minutes to sit in a cozy spot with your favourite beverage, pen, and paper. Breathe deeply, allow yourself to arrive, and with gentleness and honesty, ask yourself:
What tool from the last season do you want to carry forward? How can you integrate it into your daily life in a way that feels sustainable?
Example: If journaling brought you peace this summer, commit to continuing this habit in autumn—maybe 5 minutes each morning or an hour at a coffee shop on Wednesdays.
Where did you waste energy or resources? Without being too critical, identify what you can shed to make room for what’s coming.
Example: If you’ve been starting your days by scrolling on your phone and want to change that, set limits—like keeping your phone in another room—and commit to doing your best.
What new thing have you been wanting to try or explore? Choose one small step to begin integrating it into your daily life.
Example: If you’ve been drawn to meditation or yoga, set aside 15 minutes daily or weekly to explore different practices, either in person or online.
Reconnecting to Movement Practices
When returning to routines, it is important to make space for movement.
Whether it’s walking, running, skateboarding, boxing, or dancing, find what works for you (considering your budget, schedule, and energy levels) and pencil it into your calendar just like any other appointment.
As someone with a chronic illness, I focus on practices like Yoga, Qi Gong, and Pilates to maintain a strong, healthy body, improve proprioception, regulate the nervous system, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Here are some classes for you to try:
Morning Practice ☀️
Some people start their day with movement to boost energy and focus.
Try this morning yoga flow in bed —perfect for preparing your day, with options and variations to suit your needs.
Midday Practice ⏸️
Others prefer a midday pause to reconnect with themselves.
Check out this lovely yoga flow, recorded at sunrise but suitable anytime, to find physical, mental, and energetic alignment. It’s perfect for beginners.
Evening Practice 🌙
For those who prefer evening sessions, this evening yoga class is designed to help you unwind, releasing physical, mental, and emotional stress.
Try one of these practices this week, whether once or daily, and let me know how it impacts your life.
If you want to practice yoga with me live this week or join me for a productivity session, here is what I have coming up on Insight Timer and on YouTube:
Wednesday, Sept. 11th at 9:00 am EST (15:00 CET) - 2-Hour Productivity Session with Pomodoro Method and Body Doubling for Writers, Artists & Creatives. - Details here.
Friday, Sept.13th at 9:00 am EST (15:00 CET) - Friday Gentle Flow | Accessible Yoga for Gratitude, Balance, & Harmony - Details here.
Sunday, Sept. 15th at 4:00 pm EST (22:00 CET) - Slow Flow for Stress Relief | Accessible Yoga for Self Care and Relaxation - Details here.
Monday, Sept. 16th at 9:00 am EST (15:00 CET) - 2-Hour Live Productivity Session | Pomodoro Sprints. - Details here.
Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 11:00 am EST (17:00 CET) - Harvest Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse | Yoga and Intention Setting Practice - Details here.
Sunday, Sept. 22nd at 11:00 am EST - Equinox Gathering: Embrace Balance and Transition with Gentle Yoga - Details here.
Stay tuned for pop-up classes!
Dive Deeper - Create your Sadhana
Ready to create a consistent daily yoga routine? This may be a great time to embark on Sadhana: Daily Habits to Create Balance Course, available at the Yoga Easy (formerly Ekhart Yoga) Academy.
This course is designed to help you gain an understanding of what your deepest intentions are, to create a daily routine (Sadhana) that aligns with your values, and that supports you in sustaining this practice through the ebbs and flow of life.
Alright, friend!
This is all from me today. I hope that you create space to recalibrate as Summer comes to an end and we enter Autumn.
May you find the resources shared here helpful and inspiring.
Until we meet again pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.
Much love,
Laia
What is one resource in today's Pause that you're wanting to try this week? Feel free to share so that you can create some accountability and also inspire others 💛💛
Thanks for sharing some great resources! 🙏