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A Mindfulness Autumn. 🍂

In these busy modern times, it's become all too easy to stop noticing the world around us. Many of us have lost touch with being present in the moment as so many of us are hurriedly planning our next task, errand or social engagement, so much so we have stopped noticing the way our bodies and minds are feeling. We end up living 'in our heads' – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour. However do not fear, there is something you can do to change this. Mindfulness could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that “mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.”

Mindfulness is about reconnecting with our bodies and our senses. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs or the smell of coffee brewing.

Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment. It's about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.

Going for a walk at this time of year can be really enjoyable, if you practice mindfulness whilst you walk it will help you feel present, connected and alive.

Look out for the different colours of autumn, 🍂 the browns, golds, maroons, yellows that nature proudly offers, the colours of the leaves, the shop window displays, packaging and different food dishes. It’s the time of year for hearty bowls of stew, cosy blankets and roaring stoves. Going for a cycle or stroll is good for the soul especially in autumn.

Smell the autumn rain, breath in freshly percolating coffee, ☕️ inhale the aroma of roasted chestnuts. 🌰

Listen to the wonderful sounds nature offers us - birdsong, the rushing of water down a fall, the noise a crunchy leaf makes underfoot. I go out of my way to stamp on them like I did as a child, that nostalgic feeling awakens my inner child and for a brief moment pure joy flashes through me as though I were 6 years old again.

Taste the crisp autumn air breathe it in deeply and taste it as it goes over your tongue. Drink hot cocoa but add some cinnamon or a dusting of ginger spice to really help you feel autumnal.

Touch the wonderful textures this time of year has to offer, the prickly outer casings of September conkers, the bramble bushes whilst harvesting blackberries for a gratis treat from the countryside. Wrap your mittened hands around a hot beverage and take in the delightfully warm fuzzy feeling.

Allow your senses to come alive with all autumn has to offer! 🍂

Nicola Neary MBACP Dip - Qualified Counsellor - New Leaf Counselling.

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Photos taken by me.

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