You may be getting tired of raking leaves, but I just found some dry ones to shuffle through this morning. And I feel happy.
I grew up in Germany and so I get colored–leaf–deprived this time of year. Living in Redwood country, I have to find the few places that have planted deciduous trees and hope for enough leaves on the ground to make them rustle. Perhaps it looks funny to see a fifty–something walking through leaves, but it really is the little girl, probably in her first year, who is so delighted by sound, smell, and color. Today I did hold back from picking up a big bunch and throwing them into the air.
What are some seasonal memories that your body remembers so well that they automatically make you happy? These are such great experiences to seek out again and again.
This is a great way to use imagery: bring such a wonderful memory to mind and both your body and face will smile. Use all your senses to deepen the imagery (above I added a memory of throwing leaves on to today’s excursion, the body does not know the difference between fact and fiction) and really spend some time expanding and growing the experience, so that it fills your whole body, even goes beyond, as much as is comfortable.
It does not take something very special, or more than a few minutes to strengthen positive experiences and to remember one of your resources– happy moments.
Happy Fall.