With the Harvest Equinox having just passed us, many of us here in the Northern Hemisphere are just now finding the first touches of fall coming forward. The leaves are changing and falling from the sky. The wind has that familiar chill which are the first tiny barks of the howling wolf that is Winter.

Harvest is a time for celebration, for rejoicing. Traditionally speaking, it marked a time of abundance, both of food and of time. With little to do in the fields, seasonal agrarians had more time to spend on things they enjoyed.

For us modern folk, I suggest we mark this season with joy as well, and a commitment to reconnection. I think we have lost so much in the last 15 years… and that if we don’t fight to remember it, we will continue to fall deeper and deeper into this sleep.

What sleep? Why, the digital sleep of course. Yes, you’re here on a digital device right now, connected to the internet, to hear my words. And For that I am thankful… BUT… so many of us live out our daily lives here. We spend hours and hours staring at things that often don’t really even interest us, and we neglect the simple pleasures that have sustained us for centuries.

I encourage you to make it a point this fall to step away from your devices and delve deeply into the sensory pleasures that this season provides. Start by taking an INTENTIONAL walk. Purposely focus on the being IN the Moment.

As you take each step along the path, relish in the delightful symphony of the leaves rustling beneath your feet.

The earthy fragrance of autumn fills the air, mingling with the cool crispness that gently caresses your skin.

Every corner of the scenery unveils a masterpiece of nature's artistry, with vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow cascading from the branches above.

While your eyes feast upon this kaleidoscope of colors, your fingertips tingle with a touch of excitement, embracing the newfound chill in the atmosphere.

Curiosity awakens within you, urging you to explore deeper, to unravel the secrets concealed amidst the fallen foliage.

With every gaze, you uncover hidden creatures scurrying about, whimsical mushrooms peeking out from the earth, majestic rocks adorning the landscape, and peculiar branches that seem to whisper tales of their unique existence.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in this captivating tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations, for it is in these simple yet profound moments that the divinity of nature unravels.

Don’t feel like going out? Indulge yourself in traditional fare. While there’s more to life than Pumpkin Spice, it’s a good start. Here’s some ideas to get you started closer to home.

Bake a bread (It’s easier than you think!) Embrace the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread permeating your home. Relish in the satisfaction of kneading the dough, watching it rise, and savoring the warm, crusty goodness when it emerges from the oven.

Light a candle to illuminate the cozy ambiance of your space. As the days grow shorter, filling your surroundings with the soft, flickering glow of candlelight brings a soothing and tranquil feeling. This time of year, I enjoy welcoming scents like fresh baked cookies, pumpkin butter, and spices, as they waft through the air, enveloping me in a wave of autumnal delight.

Cook up a yummy stew. (Barley is my favorite!) Indulge in the savory deliciousness of a hearty stew bubbling on the stove. Let the tantalizing aromas of slowly simmered ingredients fill your kitchen, as their flavors meld together to create a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Harvest herbs to dry indoors. As autumn's crispness fills the air, take the opportunity to gather the last remnants of your herb garden and bring them indoors. By carefully drying these precious green treasures, you can preserve their fragrant essence to be enjoyed throughout the colder months. Nurture a connection with nature's bounty even within the confines of your home.

Sit with a cup of warm tea. In these chaotic times, take a moment for tranquility and self-care. Allow yourself to steep in the serenity of a cup of warm tea, each sip bringing a sense of relaxation and calm. Resist the urge to mindlessly scroll through endless digital distractions, and instead immerse yourself fully in the experience of holding the cup, feeling the steam rise, and appreciating the fragrant aroma that dances tantalizingly in the air.

Decorate a space in your house to welcome harvest. Infuse your living space with the essence of the harvest season by adorning it with natural treasures found outdoors. Bring in branches, leaves, pinecones, seed pods, and an array of hardy fruits like pumpkins and squashes. Bedeck your surroundings with dried flowers and grasses, their gentle beauty serving as a reminder of the ever-changing cycles of nature. By incorporating these humble elements, you create a warm and inviting atmosphere that embraces the spirit of the harvest and fills your home with the earth's abundance.

Whatever it is that you decide to do, as GOT reminded us so many times, “Winter is Coming”. Use this time to reconnect to your self, remember what brings you joy, and indulge yourself in the little things.