This week I am recording from the woods, which is my place to process and metabolise the machinations of the day. I wanted to reflect on how the cultivating the sense of letting go we have in early autumn as it turns inwards toward nourishing and resting is going. Leaves on the ground, mulching, feeding the earth for new growth in spring. Magic happening, a feast of decay, sacred, generous. I’m going with the seasons here, claiming rest and space as almost an act of defiance in the face the collective energy gathering momentum toward Christmas.
I have a couple of tools to protect against the hyper stimulation and pace this next few weeks seems to demand of us. They are boundaries in essence. Using the diary or planner to really see what is going on and opting out as much as possible to avoid overcommitment and overwhelm. This time has a habit of filling itself up so less is definitely more.
If it’s your first sober advent and Christmas, you are allowed to sit this one out for sure. Drawbridging and ODAAT are key. In Love Sober community we have lots of support - Daily self care challenge, masterclasses on sober socialising and winter self-care , twice weekly online meetings and daily check-ins on the 12 days of Xmas online.
Removing myself from company and work to become embodied in yoga or nature practice and use yoga to connect and cheer, whereas the nature practice is a solitary endeavour. As an introvert and a neurodivergent I have come to accept my limitations around socialising and masking and I no longer shoe horn myself into situations using alcohol to make them feel tolerable. I respect my social window. This was year 3 sober learning!
It seems ridiculous to have to point out that being in nature is good for us but in our busy, modern, linear, pavemented lives we can feel profoundly disconnected from the Great Outdoors. Walking in the woods, fields and by water we can immerse ourselves in the colours and changing temperatures of the seasons, either as a solitary practice or to be enjoyed with loved ones.
Nature can be a real gift in providing comfort and a sense of perspective of life outside of our homes, jobs and immediate problems. By soothing ourselves in natural surroundings we can reduce triggers and cravings. If we can remove ourselves from immediate triggers and stressors and get outside and walk or run it off, this is a big old tool in our toolkits.
The sensory and creative elements of being in nature also provide enrichment and opportunity for the state of flow, which again is soothing to the nervous systems and brings us out of those craving states. Using a regular nature practice more intentionally, not just as an emergency measure when we are about to blow our lids is especially effective. In a study of 20,000 people, a team led by Dr Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces are much more likely to identify as being physically and mentally well.
For Your Journal
How do I ground and centre myself?
What makes me feel calm?
What stops the internal chatter?
Which outdoor spaces do I have access to?
How can I include mindful connection with nature in my day?
BUY: Love Yourself Sober the book
BUY Love Yourself Sober -The Holistic Sobriety Course
JOIN: Love Sober Community for holiday support and connection
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