Autumn Ambles - Nature Experiences for the Season
Autumn is upon us,
I am loving the changing season, the cooler mornings and evenings and the diminishing light. I love witnessing the subtle letting go of nature as Autumn unfolds, a gentle reminder to let go of the old, embrace change and slow down.
Connecting with nature in Autumn is so special, it is the perfect combination of cool air and warm sun on your face. The changing colours, the bright oranges, yellows, reds and purples, as well as the green returning after a hot dry summer. It is magic!
I've created a list of Nature Experiences for Autumn to support you in connecting with the season - some just for you and some for the whole family.
Go seed hunting. Trees and plants are dropping their seeds, nuts and pods at this time. Take a walk around the trees, pick up this fallen nature treasure and look at it closely with a magnifying glass. Take a few specimens home to create an Autumn Nature Table (see more on this below).
Create an Autumn Nature Table. Bring a little nature from your adventures back indoors with you by setting up a special table or tray to put your treasures on. Gather things that represent the season, fallen nuts or seeds, leaves of different colours, feathers from birds shedding, Cicada shells, books about Autumn, a favourite quote for the season. A nature table is a lovely reminder of your experiences and a sensory experience for little ones to connect with inside.
Weekly Wander. Take a walk around your garden or neighbourhood each week, walk the same path and notice the changes happening in nature around you as you wander. Perhaps write or draw what you see on each walk so you can compare.
Play in Leaves. Find a deciduous tree that is dropping it leaves and play amongst them. Can you make a leaf angel, some nature art, maybe you can make a huge pile of leaves and hide in them? Just play!
Watch a Sunrise or Sunset. They can be so magical at this time of the year. As you watch know that you are witnessing the Earths rotation further away from the Sun, how cool is that!
Star Gaze. The skies can be super clear in Autumn so head outside and star gaze. Be sure to let the kids stay up and watch with you. Can you spot any constellations? Check out the Star Charts from Stardome to find out what is happening in the skies.
Be a Feather Finder. Many birds have a season of shedding and lose feathers at this time of the year. Next time you take a walk be on the lookout for these gifts from our feathered friends. Can you guess what bird the feather came from?
Establish a new Daily Rhythm. Tune in with the changes in the rising and the setting of the sun. Just as nature has a rhythm so too can our days. Design your day to include at least 15 minutes of nature connection time and anything else that brings you joy.
Explore. What is happening underneath trees? Touch and look closely at their trunks and leaves. Notice how they are shedding their bark and how their leaves are changing colour, all at different stages. Touch and smell the wood and leaves that have fallen.
Slow down. Autumn is a time for rest and contemplation, so connect with the season and slow down, rest and contemplate.
I really hope you love these experiences, many of which have been tried and test by the Nature Kids at Nature School or our School Holiday Programme.
Would you like to connect more deeply with nature? Join one of my Wellbeing Wanders to connect with nature and re-connect with yourself on a guided walk in stunning nature spaces around the Bay of Plenty. With a small group of like-minded ladies you'll experience the incredible healing power of nature and enjoy some time just for you.