Looking Back, Looking Ahead
written by Fran Westwood
Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash
The days may still be warm, but many people can feel that the season is changing. The long bright days and heat of summer are slowly becoming shorter days and cooler nights. The post-Labour Day return to school is a clear signal for some households, as students are settling into their classrooms, moving into residence or diving back into research topics.
Many individuals, couples and families who took time off for summer vacation are back in a regular work routine, for better or worse. For some, this routine may be a welcome change from the stresses of navigating childcare in the summer or difficult family relationships while on vacation. Others may experience dread entering into a long stretch of work days, are balancing seemingly endless priorities, or may be caring for children struggling with school or daycare. Some may notice challenges already with low mood now that it is no longer light outside long into the evening, and may feel on a visceral level that the mornings are darker and colder. For others, autumn itself is lovely and a welcome season, but anticipating the cold winter months is the challenge.
While we likely still have weeks of beautiful weather ahead, seasons changing (and natural light lessening, in particular) are documented to have a notable impact on mental health. Slowing down to take in what the fall and winter ahead brings for you allows the unconscious and unattended to show itself. Change is not necessarily bad, but it nonetheless impacts our nervous system—and often unconsciously.
The seasons changing is a helpful hinge point to slow down and reflect on the season passing and look out at the one coming. Noticing emotions and body states is a connection point to identifying needs. Both looking back and looking forward can allow growth and help you know how you want to live next. Laying to rest or grieving that certain experiences are now memories can be an important part of living a transition well. Anticipating and preparing for upcoming stress, new routines and challenges is a way to care for yourself and loved ones in the upcoming season.
Try checking in with your body and notice what sensations are there before putting words to your experience. In this present moment, where is your body registering stress, fear or sadness in your life right now? Or do you notice excitement, joy, connection? See if, when you stay with those sensations, any emotion words fit what you’re feeling. If yes, see now what words and stories from your life are connected to how you’re feeling.
If helpful, ponder the following questions for deeper reflection, as summer turns to fall. These questions could be used for any future hinge point in your life.
Questions for Reflecting on the Past Season
What from the last season gave me joy, or helped me feel connected? What memories do I want to savour?
What am I grieving is over? What is the sadness telling me about what I love and value?
What was harder than I hoped, and what do I need to grieve? Is there anger or any other emotions here too?
Questions for Looking Ahead
As I think about this season ahead, what comes up for me? What key emotions do I notice (sadness, fear, anger, excitement, something else)?
What are sources of stress or tension for me right now, and what do I need (processing time, self-care, concrete changes, or something else)?
What supports or changes could help me live this season ahead in a way that is good for me?
Slowing down to notice our lived experiences and what they meant to us is part of how we grow. For most people it’s not easy to do that, as just staying on top of priorities feels like it takes everything. Even slowing for a few minutes can be one way to begin.
