Soften And Expand This Season

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As we move deeper into this season, there’s a call to soften, to lean into a gentler rhythm. The world around us is shifting into a slower pace, trees shedding their leaves, animals preparing for winter, and a quiet, almost sacred stillness settles in. This season invites us to tune in to our own rhythms, and to honour what’s naturally unfolding within us. This is a time for softness—a word that sometimes feels like it’s competing with the demands and busyness of life. But if we lean into it, softness can be a source of strength, a path back to ourselves.

Softness is not about weakness or passivity; rather, it’s an openness, a willingness to listen deeply and respond with care. In a world that so often prioritises productivity and urgency, embracing softness requires intention. It asks us to move against the current of “doing” and simply be with ourselves, in whatever state we find ourselves. This can mean being present with our emotions, honouring our physical limitations, or acknowledging that we may not be able to show up in the ways we’re used to. And that’s okay.

One way to lean into this season is by becoming aware of what your body and mind are asking for right now. Are you craving rest? A slower pace? More time to reflect? Autumn naturally lends itself to a kind of introspection, a gentle shedding of what no longer serves. Think of it as a time to release expectations you may be holding—expectations of yourself or from others. This act of letting go can be freeing, even if it’s something as simple as letting go of the need to have it all figured out. It’s about giving yourself permission to just *be*, without the pressure to fix or improve.

Being kind to yourself during this time means honouring that process of release and renewal. The more we allow ourselves to soften, the more we’re able to access a deeper sense of self-compassion. Self-kindness isn’t just about pampering ourselves, though that can be a part of it; it’s about recognising our humanity. It’s about acknowledging the ebbs and flows in our energy, and that some days we have more to give than others. It’s also about learning to say no when our instinct is to push forward, or to offer ourselves grace when our capacity falls short of what we envisioned.

For those of us navigating challenges—whether physical, emotional, or both—this season can be an especially potent reminder of the importance of gentleness. When we’re already carrying more, it’s easy to feel that we must work twice as hard to keep up. But I’ve learned that in softening, in embracing the reality of where we are, there’s a kind of release that can be transformative. This is a lesson that takes patience and often a few reminders along the way, but when we offer ourselves softness in times of need, we’re allowing healing to take its course. We’re affirming our right to move at our own pace, and to prioritise our well-being without apology.

If you’re feeling a resistance to this slowing down, try to approach it with curiosity. Notice the thoughts or feelings that come up when you think about “softness” or “slowing down.” Sometimes, these are rooted in past experiences or in beliefs about what it means to be “enough.” Remind yourself that leaning into softness doesn’t make you less capable, it simply allows you to be fully present with what is. Let go of the idea that you need to justify this time to anyone, even yourself.

This season, let your kindness toward yourself be a priority. Take moments to check in, to breathe, to ask yourself what you need. Write it down, whisper it to yourself, or share it with someone who holds space for you. Softness is a quiet strength; it can hold us, nourish us, and remind us that our worth is not defined by productivity or performance. This is your time to align with a rhythm that honours who you are, as you are. So, let this season be an invitation to soften, to be gentle, and to trust that you’re right where you need to be.

Do share your thoughts with me on this topic.