Autumn's Emotional Challenges

Fall hits different people differently.  If you are a student (or a teacher) it can bring sadness at the end of summer freedom, but also excitement at starting a new year.  For parents it can sometimes mean freedom from scheduling for children, but also sadness at the end of "together" time.  In different places in the country or world it can mean falling leaves, monsoons or typhoons, or relief from the deadly heat of summer.

Noticing emotions is the first step in healing them.  Our American culture tends to brush emotions aside, relegating them to a disregarded junk pile.  "Stop crying", "calm down", and "don't count your chickens before they're hatched" are all meant to tamp down emotions that could prove difficult for the listener or the feeler. 

I encourage you to notice what you are feeling as you travel through your autumn days and nights.  What are you looking forward to?  What are you sad or frustrated about?  This is a good time to start keeping a journal, or talking to a close friend, or letting your emotions surface in other ways.

Dreams are one route into your unconscious.  Lately when I remember a dream I summarize it in a message on my smart phone and e-mail it to myself.  This helps my conscious mind know what is happening "underground", in my subconscious. 

More about journals and dreams in future blogs. 

Have an enjoyable,  feeling full autumn!