A Gentle Fall Reset for the Mind, Body and Soul: An Art Therapy and Somatic Healing Lens
Summer has a vibrant energy that is all about getting outside, engaging in play, fun and socializing. As we shift into a new month, we also begin the transition into a new season: fall. Fall is a transition period from the energetic and extroverted summer to the inward and calm winter. Fall is an opportunity to gently invite in new rituals and an opportunity to reset.
What is a Fall Reset? A Gentle Seasonal Reset
We may come with the story that a reset is a time to completely start over, where drastic changes are made and everything must be new. However, a reset can be a moment in time for reflection, an opportunity to turn inward and ask ourselves what we both want to release and welcome in.
That is exactly what a fall reset is, an opportunity to slow down, tune inward, reflect, listen and then move from this place of integrity. Fall is a time of transition between the summer and winter as experienced in the fall equinox. Let’s use this time to remind ourselves and our body that it is safe to slow down.
How to Create Your Own Fall Reset
Find yourself a comfortable space with some tools for reflection (can be a journal, markers, pens, colored pencils, etc). As you do, maybe you seal your eyes to first settle the body and check in - simply arriving into this moment in time and identifying what your body feels.
Then, either in your mind or through some reflection in writing or art-making, start to think about this past season. What felt supportive? What did you enjoy? What are some rituals that you want to continue to engage in? What peoples, places, behaviors or thoughts do you perhaps want to get release or shift? Is there anything that you maybe don’t want to bring with you in this new season.
As you feel like you have finished, start to make some space as you start to reflect on the new season of fall. What do you want to welcome in or manifest this season? Are there any rituals, familiar or new, that you want to bring with you? How do you want to feel? Maybe you even use some visualization practices to really see these things in your mind and feel them in your body. You may start this practice one day and continue to come back to it or build on it throughout the season, this isn’t just for the start of fall. Remember to give yourself permission to take your time and listen to your true needs.
Fall Self-Care Bingo Challenge
I like to do different “challenges” throughout the year for accountability and to create a deeper sense of community as we transition throughout the year and explore different topics. I thought for the fall it would be fun to do a fall bingo challenge.
I created a bingo board with different activities, rituals, reminders, etc. to be mindful of in this season, leaving some blank for you to fill out yourself. These are a mix to tend to the mind, body and soul for the season.
While I do hold accountability and share tools and tricks on my Instagram, it is a personal challenge so I invite you to set your own parameters. Some of these can include the length of time (one month, from September-November, two weeks, etc.), what you need to “win” (do you complete the whole board? a diagonal line?) and what you “win” (in other words, what is your self designated prize - a spa day, a new book, a special meal, etc).
Let’s welcome in fall and this season of transition in a gentle and playful way as we continue to build a sense of community. Make sure to tag me on instagram (@integratedhealing_) for accountability and follow along as I complete the bingo board along with you!
If you are finding yourself in a moment of personal change and transition, I currently have availability for individual Art Therapy and Somatic Healing in person in Coral Gables and virtually (in Florida and New York) as a way to support your mind and body using both mindfulness and creativity as primary pillars in the practice. I offer a free consultation call for those who want to learn more which can be scheduled here.
