A Little Space to Turn Inward
Living in San Diego feels like an absolute dream most days. Coming from the East Coast, there are only a few things I really miss: the bagels, the people, and fall.
When the weather stays this consistent, built-in time for reflection has to be a little more intentional. As summer comes to an end and local’s summer is in full swing, I’ve been thinking about what it means to slow down and reflect as the days get shorter.
Summer is often a season of long days, constant plans, and lots of travel. It can feel incredibly exciting and is often my favorite time of year. However, anytime the pendulum swings one way, toward more energy and outward stimulation, it eventually needs to swing back the other way, toward lower energy and more space to turn inward.
This in-between period can be a nice time to start building in little practices that support that return to self.
For me, this has looked like picking up my journal again. There are no long prompts or plans, just simple thoughts jotted down at the end of the day. It gives me a few quiet minutes to reflect and take a moment with myself.
If you’re someone who loves a journal or a good thought prompt, you might choose to ponder these:
What’s one of your best moments from the summer? Can you get really specific? What did this moment feel like through all your senses? What feeling did you have, and where did you notice that sensation in your body?
What’s one lesson from the summer you want to bring with you into fall? What intention are you setting for this next season?
How might you support yourself during this transition? What are you looking forward to this fall?
In addition to the journaling, I’ve also been getting more bodywork. After a summer with lots of travel, I’m noticing that my body has been feeling it. As things begin to slow down, I’ve started being more intentional about making those appointments for myself.
The fall equinox falls on September 22, when light and dark are nearly equal before we begin tipping toward longer nights and shorter days.
If you’re feeling called to honor this transitional time, you can always book a massage, Reiki session, Total Body Reset, or somatic coaching session as a way to create a little more space to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Either way, I hope this summer has been full of joy for you, and that fall brings a little sweetness and slowness into your life.
