As the warmth of summer gradually yields to the crisp embrace of autumn, we find ourselves on the threshold of a new season—a season of transformation, reflection, and renewal. Fall is a fantastic time for us to reflect on our own lives and set intentions that align with the changes we want to make, whether that’s letting go of what no longer serves us, or making abundant space for new growth. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of embracing change, the beauty of transition, and the power of setting intentions for the fall season. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy comforts of sweater weather or the invigorating promise of new beginnings, let’s explore how to make the most of this transformative time and create a fulfilling season for ourselves!
5 Ways to Set Your Fall Intentions
Reflect on the past and visualize the future
Before diving into setting new intentions, take a moment to reflect on the past season. What accomplishments did you achieve during the summer? What challenges did you overcome? Reflecting on these experiences can provide valuable insights into what you want to focus on in the fall. Once you’ve looked back and identified these specific areas, start to visualize the future. Envision the person you want to become, the goals you want to achieve, and the feelings you want to cultivate during this season of change. This visualization process can help clarify your intentions and give you a clear direction moving forward. A fun way to visualize the future is by creating a fall vision board. As the fall season arrives, gather magazines, old calendars, and inspiring photos that resonate with the specific themes you want to focus on; these might include cozy scenes by the fireplace, cups of hot cocoa, hiking in colorful woods… the only rule here is to make it fun, and make it you! Once you’ve assembled your vision board (you can use a piece of poster board from an arts and crafts store, or any rogue cardboard you have laying around the house), place it somewhere you’ll be sure to see it daily. This act of visualizing your future in a tangible way will serve as a constant reminder of the intentions you’ve set, keeping you motivated and aligned with your goals (and it’s a fun little arts and crafts session all at the same time!).
Cultivate gratitude
Fall is a time of harvest, both literally (hello, Thanksgiving!) and metaphorically within our lives. Practicing gratitude can be a powerful way to set intentions for the season ahead. As the fall season unfolds, consider setting intentions that revolve around cultivating gratitude in your daily life. Simply take a few moments each day to reflect on who and what you’re thankful for, or create a gratitude journal where you jot down three things you’re thankful for each day; these could be simple pleasures, like your morning cup of coffee, the warmth of your favorite sweater, the changing colors of fall leaves, or spending time with loved ones. By consistently acknowledging the positives in your life, you’ll create a positive mindset to help you navigate this new season with a sense of contentment and joy.
Connect with nature
The fall season is a symphony of vibrant colors, earthy scents, and the sound of rustling leaves… ah, we can just see it now! Use this natural beauty as inspiration to set intentions that connect you more deeply with the environment. Take nature walks, or sit in a park or natural area near you (we LOVE the idea of forest bathing) to clear your mind while soaking in the beauty of the new season. During this time outdoors, reflect on your goals and aspirations for the season. Are there areas of your life you’d like to nurture? Perhaps you want to begin embracing change, or finding balance or excitement in your daily routine. Connecting with nature and changing our everyday scenery without the distractions of technology and social media can often offer us a new perspective and greater inspiration that can help us reconnect with our bodies and minds.
Embrace creative expression
Fall’s cozy atmosphere often inspires creativity and introspection. Leverage this new burst of creative energy to set intentions centered around self-expression and exploration. Self-expression allows us to better understand ourselves and process our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs; research conducted at the Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute found that self-expression (specifically in the arts) positively affects mood, function, cognition, and behavior. Self-expression also plays a significant role in developing our capacity to relate to others and engage in deep relationships. So whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, someone who loves to dabble in creative endeavors, or even someone who is new to finding their creativity altogether, try to allocate time each week to indulge in whatever form of expression you choose. Set the intention to complete a certain number of artworks, write a series of poems, or learn to play a new musical instrument. By dedicating even just a small amount of your time to creative pursuits, you’re not only enhancing your skills, but fostering a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Harvest your habits
The fall season is a perfect time to “harvest” the positive habits you’ve been busy cultivating throughout the past months. Take stock of the habits you’ve developed over the year, and assess which ones have had the most positive impact on your life – ask yourself which habits you want to keep and cultivate, and which ones aren’t serving you as much as you thought they might. Then, set intentions to further develop and refine the habits that you want to hang on to during the fall season. Whether it’s a regular exercise routine, cooking at home more often, or a mindful meditation practice, these habits can continue to enrich your life during the autumn months and into the colder seasons. Consider setting specific goals, like increasing the duration of your meditation sessions or trying out new recipes using seasonal ingredients. By expanding and building on these habits, you’ll be nurturing positive, personal growth that aligns with the transformative energy of the new season. If you’re looking to set intentions and create habits according to sleep, focus, energy, relief, or calm, be sure to check out our NEW bundles for carefully curated products designed to help you improve your specific wellness goals!
The Takeaway…
Setting intentions for the fall season is a mindful practice that can align us with the natural cycles of change and renewal. As the leaves begin to fall and make way for new growth, we can also shed what no longer serves us and make space for personal transformation. By actively engaging in actionable intention-setting practices, you’ll infuse purpose and direction into your life and into the season ahead. If you could use some support with setting goals, creating intentions and sticking to your habits, be sure to schedule your first complimentary session with one of EQ’s Certified Wellness Coaches!