Count your blessings

How to celebrate the bounty of the earth

Humans have been commemorating the changing seasons since the dawn of time.

Whether it’s the summer solstice, winter equinox, harvest festivals or springtime fetes, our lives have always been influenced by what the seasons dictate. Even today, in our insulated, protected lives, where the elements have very little effect on our daily lives, (apart form the 60second dash from car-door to front-door).

The idea of an “end of summer” festival should be a cause for celebration.

For many major religions around the world, this time of year is special for more than one reason. Passover or Pesach, and Easter are both celebrated in April this year, and it is a time for reflection, giving thanks and reconnecting with loved ones.

Notwithstanding the religious angle, the month of April is cause for celebration all on its own. As the official middle of Autumn, it is the month when winter becomes a reality. While the northern hemisphere is embracing spring and the return of warmer weather, we get to bring out the blankets and scarves and light the fireplace.

In the spirit of celebration, and to honour our ancestors, we are planning a full-blown harvest festival

Set the scene.

As with the festive season, we love the idea of decorating your home in the spirit of the season. Few things are as soothing as the natural pallets of the autumn landscape. Whether you opt for the vibrant reds and oranges, go with yellows or simply play around with earth tones, rich browns and muted greens, have fun!

One of our favourite ways to set the scene is with a front door/entryway decoration. We love a wreath, but you can even add some seasonal magic just by switching up your welcome mat, adding a different houseplant to the hallway or lighting a cosy candle.

Give thanks.

A central theme of all autumn celebrations around the world is giving thanks. Whether you take it back to ancient times and host a feast to thank the earth for its bounty, or celebrate the season based on your religion. It can be a beautiful, mindful and fulfilling thing to take stock of your year so far. Yes, you might still have a few resolutions to fulfil, you might not be exactly where you thought you would be, but guess what? That’s perfectly fine. So, turn down the self-doubt and pour that glass of gratefulness. You’ve come a long way baby!

Take a leaf out of the book of trees

As the cold winds start blowing, the leaves fall down. Just look to the trees to see the value of letting go of the past. Drop your guilt, baggage and heavy relationships like dried up and dead autumn leaves. Life is too short to waste your energy on taxing, toxic people. While you are busy with the self-care of letting go – remember to walk away from the physical leaves as well. We can’t help but remind you to hide your rakes and let the leaves mulch where they lie. For a full, scientific discussion of why this works, look at our previous Weekly Fix about this matter.

Feed your soul

Instead of raking or stressing about garden debris, we suggest you channel your energy into feeding yourself and your loved ones.

This season is your last chance to boost your immune systems naturally.

Whether you start with breakfast health pots (our new name for fully loaded, warm, comforting and nutritious oats), fully loaded veggie soups like this one from the Feel Good Foodie, or hearty stews like this one from Inspired Living SA, is up to you. What isn’t up to you is the decision to feed your soul. Cook at home, eat at home, stay in and treat yourself. This is the time to slow down and prepare yourself physically and mentally for the winter season.

Quick health pot recipe:

Warm porridge base of your choice. We love cooking up a big batch of steel cut oats on a Sunday and heating up a bowl each morning. (Don’t be freaked out by the congealed mass you see in the pot.) Simply scoop out a few spoonful’s and add milk or a dairy alternative of your choice. Heat this up in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until its warmed through. Now you can Zoosh it up with your favourite flavour combinations.

Our number one mix is Almond Apple Pie.

• 1tbs almond butter
• 1 apple, grated and sprinkled with cinnamon.
• 2tsp of toasted, flaked almonds for crunch.
• Flavour with a pinch of salt, honey or sugar to taste.

The options are endless, but unlike overnight fridge oats, which is great for summer, this health pot is a game changer in the hot brekkie sphere.

Other flavour combinations to play around with are:

• Blueberries/Goji berries
• Dark chocolate chips
• Toasted walnuts

Or

• Sliced banana
• Peanut butter
• Toasted Coconut shavings

Giving thanks might sound like a tall order when we look at the current global chaos but we are sure that if you take a step back, examine your life and look at what you have and where you are, you will be able to find one thing to be grateful for this autumn. Focus on that one thing and make the most of the good vibes that come from a life filled with gratitude.