Slow Living in September: Time of Transition to Autumn in the English Countryside

Hello, September! The first day of the month arrived with a cloudy sky and a chill in the morning air. Pumpkins in my garden are orange and almost ready to harvest, and two large boxes of Autumn decorations are sitting on the living room floor, ready to be unpacked. This is it, we have arrived in September, the month of migrating birds, foggy mornings, and the gateway to our beloved BER months.

September brings change in the English countryside. The beginning may still feel Summery, with hot afternoons and warm sunshine on our faces. By the end of this month, the Autumnal feel in the air will be undeniable. As we progress through September, the changing of the seasons will have to be acknowledged, even by those clinging to Summer. The sunrise will come a little later each day, and night will creep in earlier until we reach the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd of September, when day and night will be even. Once again, the Sun will lose its dominance, giving way to lengthening nights.

On the 22nd of September, we celebrate Mabon. It’s the second harvest festival on the Wheel of the Year – a nature-based calendar.  "Mabon" by Lisa Thiel happens to be one of my favourite songs of many years, and each year around this time, I like to listen to it and the wisdom Lisa shares through her lyrics.

Summer is gently giving way to Autumn with maturing fruits and the first falling leaves, reminding us that it is also time for us to slow down, look within, and appreciate things already present in our lives. September is a lovely month for all slow-living practitioners, as changes in nature prompt us to practice mindfulness and attentiveness to the outside world, but also encourage us to look inwards.

 Check out other months' slow living to-do lists
March - April - May - June - July - August - September

Pyjama & mug links here, "Autumn Mood" candle link here

Here's my slow living September "to-do list". I hope it will help you make the most of this tranquil month.

1. Don’t Get Overwhelmed

First on the list is the most important message I have for you this Autumn: don't get overwhelmed with all the "must-do", "must-buy", "must-watch" things you're going to see online. Every year, I get messages and comments from people who say they feel like they "failed" because they didn't go apple picking, bake a carrot cake, or watch 7 seasons of "Gilmore Girls" in September.

This month, you will have the same amount of hours in a day as in other months of the year. Life is busy with work and children, and we are supposed to be slowing down and seeking moments of cosy calm, not adding a workload to our already heavy schedules. Be realistic about your expectations, time, and money available. Luckily, the best things about Autumn are free anyway.

2. Prepare and Decorate Your Home for Autumn

Decorating your house for the seasons is a lovely way to show love and appreciation for the place we live in and the people we live with. Adding elements of Autumnal decorations keeps us in tune with the season and cosies our home up for the cold and dark months ahead.

Many shops offer seasonal decorations here in the UK, and even more in the US, but buying isn't the only option. Gathering fallen branches and placing them in a vase, decorating with acorns, chestnuts and dried leaves, will definitely bring Autumnal forest vibes to your home. Another tip is to bring out any blankets or cushions that you might have stored at the bottom of your wardrobe during Summer. Adding different textures and soft furnishings will cosy up any space.

If you feel like treating yourself (and your home) this Autumn, nothing beats the soft glow of a candle on a chilly September night. Check out our Autumn and pumpkin candles made in our Somerset studio. This year, we have two brand new scents joining our collection: "Autumn Leaves", inspired by the oak woods of England, and comforting Vanilla Pumpkin for those with a sweet tooth.

3. Nature Walks: The Beauty of September in the Countryside

You knew this point was coming :) September in the English countryside is charming. Misty mornings, first fallen leaves, busy squirrels gathering food for Winter, brambles abundant with fruits, the slight chill in the air that foretells the change of season – you get to go out and see it for yourself. Try to observe nature closely. Pay attention to the trees and the forest floor. I promise you, each time you go for a walk, you'll spot something new. In a world where we are so used to constant stimulation, this kind of mental exercise in mindfulness and attentiveness is incredibly soothing and calming.

4. Seasonal Cooking: Bringing the Flavours of Autumn into Your Home

This has to be one of the easiest yet most delicious ways to celebrate Autumn. We all cook at home, and by incorporating seasonal fruits, vegetables, and spices, we can bring the smell and taste of Autumn to our homes quite effortlessly. I always share the seasonal recipes I use on my YouTube channel in the video descriptions, but here are some ideas for September:

- Dorset Apple Cake
- Blackberry & Apple Crumble
- Pumpkin & Chorizo Gnocchi
- Pumpkin Curry
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Roast Dinner

5. Get Your Wardrobe Autumn-Ready

As the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your wardrobe, perhaps put away some holiday dresses, and bring back the knitwear. I have already sorted my wardrobe and bought my first Autumn outfits for the year – I shared the process and my fashion finds in this YouTube video. I also treated myself to some loungewear, as I am really going to embrace the cosy nights in this year. No more stretched-out jumpers and old leggings :) You can find links to the items I bought by clicking on the photo.

6. Reflect and Set Intentions for the Coming Months

September has a back-to-school/work vibe, and the turning of the leaf might be seen as a point to reflect on Spring and Summer and set intentions for the last four months of the year. Autumn and Winter are traditionally times when we should look inwards and work with our shadows. It is time to let go of things (not only material items!) that don't serve you. This includes also your own habits and self-limiting beliefs. The next few months of long evenings spent at home (in contrast to Summer when we tend to socialise and go out more) will give you the opportunity to think things through and sit with some uncomfortable feelings we all have.

A Few Closing Words

September is a perfect time to slow down and be present. It is a month of balance, a time when the heighten energy of Summer gently gives way to the tranquillity of Autumn. Following the rhythm of nature, life starts to feel cosier and less hurried. It gives us the opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude for things that we often worked hard for, yet eventually grew used to and took for granted.

Slow living in Autumn is all about cherishing the little joys the season brings – first Autumn leaves, hot tea on a cold day, the touch of our favourite jumper on our skin, and the smell of pumpkin spice candle filling the air. I hope this list will help you see those joys in your everyday life. Have a wonderful September!

Adriana x