Being with Both

Howdy gang,

Welcome to fall! I know most of us would like 60-70 degrees but we will gladly take 80-90 degrees. Isn’t it interesting how our perspective and appreciation shifts. It’s all relative, isn’t it?

As we move in to this season, I am getting better at caching my wonky feelings that come with this time of the year.  To me, the best part of mindfulness and awareness is the moment of notice. That, “OOOOOHHH, that’s where I am” moment. 

I am getting better at riding it out and a little less stuck in it. It’s still not fun but at least I know what’s going on and can let go a little so I may enjoy all the other beautiful parts of this season.

Why do I share this?? 
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Because it seems like a lot of us have this tendency at this time of year and I want to let you know, you are not alone. Plus, I found something that has been helpful for me. Maybe it might help you, too.

A while back, I listened to a podcast with Ingrid Fetell Lee. She was discussing her book, “Joyful - The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness”.

I loved the discussion and put in a request for the book from the library. Lucky me, it came in before the library closed so it was in my stash of books. 

Since I was feeling wonky, I decided to give it a read. Absolutely delightful!! 
I love all her musings as well as interesting research and tips on how we may bring more joy to our moments. I feel like I already do some of this and I am excited that there is so much more that I can play with. 

One of the interesting things she notes is how we can feel wonky and at the same time still have moments of joy. We can have both. It’s not like we are pushing away the ick but more like we are adding to our daily experience. I have found this has helped me move through some of the melancholy that often comes this time of year.

There are plenty of things that can give us a spark and I hope this season you play with looking for joy and notice what happens.  Do you smile? Jump? Maybe even squeal? 

I do all three and it feels really good.

Fall really is an amazing time and I am happy to bring in another form of mindfulness to the season… Joy spotting! One of her tips is to look up and look down to see what’s around. I have attached some photos that you might enjoy. 
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So, whether you are feeling wonky or just excited for cooler weather, I encourage you to open up to all that this season may bring and hopefully you will spot some joy and smile, jump and squeal!
Peace and love,
Chrissy

Here’s the link to the podcast with Ingrid Fetell Lee