The autumn equinox was September 22nd and already the earlier sunsets bring a sense of restfulness and introspection. The fireweed, so tall and vibrantly purple in the summer, has begun to dry and release the fluffy fibers within the stalks. Corn plants reach high into the sky, slowly turning brown and crispy to protect the kernels that feed and nourish us. The land, the water, and our non-human relatives sense the change of seasons and begin to prepare for winter. 

Many of us feel the transition from warmth to cold very acutely, as the “October Slide” begins to impact people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Shifts in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity can all impact symptoms such as chronic pain, dizziness/vertigo, and brain fog among many others. If you’re experiencing heightened or flared symptoms, you’re not alone. 

How can we honor the change in seasons ourselves? Learning from our plant and animal relatives, one way we can recognize the change in seasons is by slowing down and being intentional in our self-care. Bears, bats, and even wooly bear caterpillars will slow their metabolism and rest for most of the winter! While institutional and structural systems like capitalism continue to demand more and more labor from us, it is vital that we prioritize rest and care where we can. Take a nap and eat a snack, in honor of the bears!