October Welcome – Live Well, Travel Well, and Breathe Hatteras Island

Changing seasons and shifting needs

There are many ways nature and our environment can influence our health and wellbeing. Fall brings us Mother Nature and her spectacular show of many colors. Spending time outside, we can observe and align with natural rhythms found in changing seasons, lunar cycles and tides, and shifting daylight hours. And nature’s own ‘sound therapy’ calls all around us with birds chirping, rustling leaves, the roar of thunder, and waves breaking on the shore. It’s grounding to feel we are all connected to a far greater energy.

Mother Nature is not quiet, and she certainly has some grand designs. The recent storms eroded our coastline and brought devastation to remote mountain areas. It’s a humbling reminder of how fragile we are and how the power of community can help see us through the most difficult situations.

When events happen and things get out of control, it’s easy to feel we are taking two steps forward and one step back. It’s okay to stop, take stock of your situation, and acknowlege this is still progress. Being aware of your individual ‘hierarchy of needs’ can help you navigate setbacks and deal with life-stage transitions. Focus on what is most important, do only what you are able to do right now, and ask for help if you need it. But don’t lose sight of your personal goals and ‘self-actualization’. When you are ready to pick up again, this will motivate and help you get to where you need to be.

Photo credit: Jan Kopczyński