I love this time of year. The leaves are turning gold and red, pumpkins and squash are beginning to ripen, and the first of the pomegranates are starting to appear.

There is something very special about the arrival of fall. The days are getting shorter, and a faint chill is in the air. We pull out our favorite sweaters and find our favorite blankets. We are drawn to the comfort of the hearth, and have a desire to reconnect to our friends and family.

But before long, we know we’ll be caught up in the holiday rush – so let’s take some time and make sure we enjoy every moment that this lovely season has to offer.

Become a Hearthkeeper
The hearth is the center of the home. Have you ever noticed that when you have company over, you all end up in the kitchen? The kitchen is the heart of the house, the place where we are nurtured and heard. Conversations take place at the table over warm and comforting food. Hot tea, and the smells of home calm us after a long day. Our hearth is where our hearts are, so let’s make the most of it! Take some time to bake, light some candles, play music and spend time connecting to your family and friends.

Reconnect to Your Self
With the shorter days and longer nights, our bodies want more rest. It’s important to honor this, and not keep that hectic schedule we kept throughout the Summer. Take some time to read, or write, or express yourself creatively. This is a great time of year to start a journal if you haven’t already. Get to know yourself again. What are your dreams, desires, and hopes for your self. What do you want to work on? What ignites your inner spark?

Reconnect to the Spirit of Nature
It has been said that nature gives us the gift of “being.” The weather is still amazing, and long walks under red and golden leaves can do a lot to reconnect us to our Source. When we spend time alone in nature we discover the voice of God whispering in the depths of our being. Even if it’s just a walk around the block, time outside, with the sun on our head and a breeze at our side, kindles creativity and inspiration, which do wonders for nurturing us heart and soul.

Become a Dreamer
All around us we see signs that the earth is preparing for its winter slumber. It’s harvest time, and shortly the plants will die off for the winter. With the long nights, it’s easy to imagine the earth dreaming of the first buds of Spring. Because this is also a naturally reflective time of the year for us, now would be a good time to start doing dreamwork and keeping a dream journal. When we do dreamwork, we are naturally connecting in to our Source within. Dreams speak the language of the soul, and our souls have much to say to us. Keep your dream journal by your bed, and write down your dreams first thing in the morning when you wake up. Over time you will find much healing and inspiration happens when working with your dreams.

This season is filled with magic and mystery, and when we spend time reflecting on the beauty around us, we are opened to a whole new world of inspiration and love. Enjoy the season and the miracles that are already here for us.