Learning From November

A much as I love October, I sort of dread November. I find it depressing and damp, with a kind of cold that I can never seem to shrug off. The end of October often brings delight and fun with Halloween, and it has me thinking a lot about this “transition” month. November feels a lot like winter without actually being winter. There are things we need to do to prepare for the coming season. And I do see a marked change in my mood once the time shifts. But there is a positive because when I know these things, I am able to move into November with a plan and with tools to make November just as meaningful as other months.

November truly is the heart of the fall season, surrounded by the last bursts of colourful foliage, the ground covered in a brown blanket of leaves, and the anticipation of winter’s arrival. November offers us valuable lessons that can guide us through life’s changing seasons. It can signify a nearing of the end of something, and can also offer hope that the next season will bring something new and hopeful. Today I want to explore the wisdom that November imparts, reminding us to take time to prepare for rest, recognize that even windy days have a purpose, and embrace the idea that slowing down is not a sign of weakness.

Take Time to Prepare for Rest

November is a month of preparation. Nature starts to shed its vibrant colors, as leaves fall from the trees and animals begin to hibernate. My back yard has a tree that is always the last to open its leaves in spring, and the last to drop its leaves in fall. Just today I was out looking at this tree in the morning and marvelling at how it has held onto its foliage for so long after the surrounding trees have dropped theirs. Then, a few hours later when I walked out into the yard and it was raining leaves. An hour later and the tree was bare. Transitions can happen slowly, or all at once. This transition is a stark reminder that, just like nature, we need to prepare for rest to truly rest. Just as nature begins to slow down and prepare for the quietude of winter, we too can benefit from this deliberate act of self-care.

In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to push ourselves to the brink, neglecting our need for rest and rejuvenation. November teaches us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for our physical and mental well-being. Trees rest. Animals rest. Rest is necessary for us to thrive. Pushing through exhaustion never results in positive outcomes.

One way to apply this lesson is to set aside dedicated “rest” time in your schedule. Whether it’s a day each week set aside for reflection and meditation, a cozy evening at home with a good book or a leisurely walk in the crisp autumn air, make time to recharge and reflect. This preparation for rest equips us with the resilience needed to face life’s challenges with a refreshed spirit.

Declutter Your Life: One of the most important lessons November teaches us is the value of decluttering. As the trees shed their leaves, we can draw parallels to decluttering our own lives. Let go of the unnecessary burdens and distractions that have accumulated throughout the year. This can include cleaning up your physical space, organizing your digital files, or letting go of toxic relationships. Freeing up space in your home or in your mind will feel peaceful and when the time is right, will allow new ideas to flow into your life.

Reflection and Gratitude: November is also a time for reflection and gratitude. Take a moment to look back on the year and appreciate the progress you’ve made. While it’s easy to focus on what’s missing, remember to count your blessings. Gratitude is a powerful tool for preparing your mind and heart for a period of rest. Knowing that we are living lives rich in blessings, even when we are facing struggle, allows us to step back and know that we can rest.

Self-Care: In November, the weather turns colder, and the days get shorter. This shift reminds us to take better care of ourselves. Embrace cozy evenings with warm blankets and hot beverages. Make self-care a priority, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply allowing yourself to go to bed earlier. Preparing for rest means nurturing your physical and mental well-being.

Even Windy Days Have Purpose

As November unfolds, we often experience blustery, windy days that can feel disruptive. However, even windy days have their purpose. The wind serves as nature’s way of clearing away the old and making room for the new.

In our lives, we encounter obstacles and setbacks that can feel like turbulent winds. But, just as nature endures these storms and comes out stronger, we too can find purpose in adversity. It’s during these challenging times that we discover our inner strength, resilience, and capacity for growth. No one enjoys going through difficult times. But if we can remind ourselves, even in the suffering, that every wind storm comes to an end, we can look ahead with anticipation to a time of peace and calm.

To embrace this lesson, take a moment to reflect on a past hardship you’ve faced. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience? Recognize that these challenges are an essential part of your personal growth journey.

Slowing Down is Not Weakness

In a world that often glorifies busyness and productivity, November encourages us to challenge the notion that slowing down is a sign of weakness. As the days grow shorter and the pace of life seems to mellow, we have an opportunity to prioritize self-care and reflection.

It’s common to feel guilty or unproductive when we take a step back, but November teaches us that this slowing down is a vital aspect of our well-being. It allows us to reconnect with ourselves, our values, and our goals.

To incorporate this lesson into your life, schedule regular moments of intentional slowness. This could be as simple as sitting quietly with a warm cup of tea or dedicating time to meditation and mindfulness. By embracing the idea that slowing down is not a weakness, we can improve our mental and emotional resilience.

November is more than just a bridge between fall and winter; it’s a teacher that imparts valuable life lessons. By taking time to prepare for rest, recognizing the purpose in even windy days, and embracing the idea that slowing down is not a sign of weakness, we can navigate life’s transitions with grace and wisdom.

As we move through this transformative month, let November be a reminder to prioritize self-care, find meaning in adversity, and value the power of stillness. Let’s make the most of this season of change and carry its wisdom with us throughout the rest of this year, approaching life with greater resilience and a deeper sense of purpose.