10 quotes to ponder in the darkness of autumn

It’s getting darker as we move deeper into autumn. October’s new moon has come + gone, and now we are on the cusp of the mysterious darkness that envelops us this time of year in the northern hemisphere. And what is happening with me is that I find myself slowing down even more. I mean, y’all, I live a pretty slow life already. That’s my intention + my choice. But, right now, I am slowing down eeeeeeven more. And I know that it is the right thing to do. I am seeking to fully align myself, and my life, with nature.

In doing that, I am nesting a lot. Whenever I am home, I am making it as cozy as humanly possible. And, in soaking up the darkness that wraps itself around me, I am seeing it as warmth, protection, and a chance think about it all – everything. A mystical, inspirational time for my soul to rest. A chance to really make some plans, guided by my spirit, and to relax in the thought that it’s not time yet to act on them.

Right now, even in the midst of the everyday hustle + bustle, I observe. Feel. Focus. Sit. Breathe. And gather it all to my soul. I keep a slow pace, even though I keep moving + doing + working with the things that I must. But, I also make even more time to not do anything.

And, with that said, I thought I’d share with you some quotes that serve to help me focus during this time of year. I’ve spread them out between photos that I’ve taken this week as well. So, settle in for in a few minutes and let the words + images slow you down for just a little bit.

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Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience. – Ralph W. Emerson

Solitude is an unmarked place beyond the borders of a map, a place where most fear to tread. It’s no surprise, then, that this is where the greatest secrets and most valuable treasures are hidden. – Cristen Rodgers

Adventure is not outside [hu]man. It is within. – George Eliot

If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself, if you want to eliminate the suffering in the world,, then eliminate all that is dark + negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation. – Lao Tzu

Be easy, Take your time. You are coming home. To yourself. – The Becoming, Wing

We arrive into this world as energy, same as stars, wildlife, wind and ocean. Messy, raw, and continually perfect in our chaos. Release the need to control, and instead surrender to your own natural rhythm, as expansive, accepting and open to new circumstances and situations as air itself. That is how you’ll thrive. – Victoria Erickson

I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my soul. – Rumi

You must learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear any challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery, and enchantment. – Deepak Chopra

I felt in need of a great pilgrimage so I sat still for three days. – Hafiz

When you just sit in silence, the wind blows through you, the sun shines in your and you realise you are not your body, you are everything. – Anita Krizzan

Do you slow down your pace at all when autumn arrives? How do you deal with the pending darkness? Is it something that has been worrisome or depressing? Or do you see it as a chance to get cozy + turn inward? Speak with me, friends. Just because we’re cozying up in our homes doesn’t mean that we cannot still connect. Let’s just use this time to slow our pace and really listen – to ourselves + each other.

Wishing you dark, magical moments of peace as we begin our slow march towards the ending of this calendar year.

xoxo. liz.