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. Apple trees are heavy with ripe fruit, the pumpkins in my garden grow more orange each day 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.

I particularly love September for how much change happens in the English countryside. The beginning of the month may still feel Summery, with hot afternoons and warm sunshine… but by the end of the month, Autumn’s arrival will be undeniable. As we progress through September, the changing of the seasons becomes evident, even for those still clinging to Summer. The sun will rise a little later each day and night will draw in earlier, until we reach the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd of September, when day and night will be perfectly balanced. Once again, the sun will lose its dominance, giving way to the 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.

In September, Summer gives way to Autumn with the harvest of fruit and grain and the first falling leaves, reminding us that it is also a time to slow down, look within, and appreciate what is already present in our lives. It is a wonderful month for those of us who practice slow living, as the changes in nature prompt mindfulness and attentiveness to the world around us, while also encouraging us to turn inward.

Explore my slow living to-do lists for each month of the year here

Here's my slow living September "to-do list". I hope it will help you make the most of this beautiful 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 number of hours in a day as in any other month of the year. Life is busy with work and children, and we are meant to be slowing down and seeking moments of cosy calm - not adding more tasks to our already heavy schedules. Be realistic about your expectations, as well as the time and money you have available and cherry-pick activities that truly bring value and joy to your life, instead of chasing aesthetics that aren’t even real. Luckily, the best things about Autumn are free anyway.

2. Prepare and Decorate Your Home for Autumn

Decorating your house for the seasons is one of best ways to live in tune with the seasons and show care and love for the place we live in. Adding elements of Autumnal decorations brings nature indoors and cosies our home up for the cold and dark months ahead. You can begin gently and add more as the BER months progress, or go all out straight away :)

Many shops offer seasonal decorations 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 you may have stored away during Summer. Adding different textures - especially natural ones like wood, linen or wicker - along with soft furnishings will cosy up any space.

Of course, nothing beats the soft glow of a candle on a chilly September night. I welcome you to check out our Autumn and pumpkin candles made in our Somerset studio. This year, we have two brand new, very delicious scents joining our collection: Banana Bread Candle and Blueberry Muffin Candle - perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Shop our brand-new candles for Autumn:

Blueberry Muffin Candle
Banana Bread Candle

Thank you so much to those who choose to shop small and support our family-run business!

3. Nature Walks Among Changing Landscapes

You knew this point was coming :) September in the English countryside is charming. Misty mornings, fallen leaves, busy squirrels gathering food for Winter, brambles abundant with fruits, the slight chill in the air that foretells the cold season. Take time to observe nature up close. Pay attention to the trees and the forest floor. In a world where we are so used to constant stimulation, this kind of mental exercise in attentiveness is soothing and calming for both mind and body. I promise you, each time you go for a walk, you’ll notice something new.

4. Seasonal Cooking and Baking

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 recently shared all my favourite Autumn baking recipes here, and below are some more ideas for savoury meals this September:

- Pumpkin & Chorizo Gnocchi
- Pumpkin Curry
- Pumpkin Soup
- Harvest Soup 
- Roast Dinner
- Homemade Pizza

I’d love to know - what are your favourite meals in Autumn? Let me know in the comments.

5. Get Your Wardrobe Autumn-Ready

September here in the English countryside can still be quite sunny and warm (especially early in the month), but the weather does get undeniably cooler - not just in the mornings and evenings. It’s time to swap Summer dresses for knitted jumpers and bring back lighter coats and gilets. A pair of wellies will surely come in handy too, especially for those who enjoy walks along the country roads.

6. Reflect and Set Intentions for the Coming Months

September has a back-to-school and work vibe and the falling leaves might become a prompt 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 also includes 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

In September, nature reaches a balance between day and night, warmth and cold. Autumn Equinox - the perfect balance in nature - is fleeting, yet I feel it set the tune for the entire month. 

The heighten energy of Summer gives way to the peacefulness of Autumn. Life starts to feel cosier and less hurried. It gives us the opportunity to take "stock" of our year so far and practice gratitude for the big wins and small joys of life...

Slow living in September is all about cherishing what the season brings – first Autumn leaves, hot tea on a cold day, the touch of favourite jumper on your skin, and the smell of pumpkin spice candle filling the air. I hope this list will help make the most of this beautiful month. Have a wonderful September!

Thank you for reading,
Adriana x