I have come to September with mixed feelings. I love the summer and feel reluctant to let it go, although there is much to love about Autumn, it is the slippery slope towards winter – my least favourite season. The bits of September I do enjoy are the promise of a new start, fresh beginnings, and renewed goals. No matter how long ago school was I think September will be forever associated with a new school year.
This year we were on holiday in France for the last two weeks of August. We rarely go away for so long in August, choosing to avoid the school holidays when possible. We arrived home on the 1st of September which I think has exacerbated the somewhat unsettling new term feeling I’ve had this week. It has taken me a few days to find my feet particularly with work and the inevitable routine it brings.
This is perhaps a roundabout way of saying that finding some moments of calm this week has been quite important in helping my find my rhythm.
The Calm App
I downloaded the Calm App earlier this week and although have only listened to a couple of sessions so far I have found it helpful and soothing. A calm mediative voice in my ears encouraging a focus on breath and stillness has been useful and something I will certainly continue to try out.
Household Chores
One of the downsides of coming back from a holiday is often the unpacking, the washing, ironing and general sorting. It is an immediate reality check. This week I have found the familiar routines of putting clothes through the washing cycle, unpacking the holiday paraphernalia and putting it back in its rightful place somewhat reassuring. I much prefer to live with order than chaos and know I feel much calmer when things are where they should be. Restoring order at the beginning of the week has definitely helped me slowly settle back into ‘normality’.
Petersham Nurseries
I adore Petersham Nurseries. Its a unique garden centre close to the banks of the river Thames in Richmond filled with flowers and elegance. It has a delicious cafe and is a wonderful place to enjoy some peace and tranquility whilst browsing at the array of well tended flowers. A Saturday morning wander around the botanical treasures with my husband was a Saturday morning very well spent. (I have written about Petersham Nurseries previously if you are interested).
So here we are at the beginning of the second week of September, with signs of Autumn getting ever closer. I hope wherever you are and however you feel about the approaching cooler days you too can find moments of peace and calm.
