1. Nurture your introvert, as the plants are doing.

This is the time of year when nature hunkers down. The leaves are falling, and making such a show of themselves as they do! The plants are pulling their energy in, conserving effort, and getting ready for new growth next spring. We can learn a lot from this!

As humans, some of us tend to push and push forward, never really giving ourselves permission to withdraw and rest. Others of us do the opposite. We withdraw and hide, avoiding people and social interaction, and never really pushing forward into the world as we were meant to, and as plants do in the spring. Regardless of which way you tend to be, you can allow balance into your life by following the lead of Mother Nature. If you are the driven type, use this time to go within, listening to your intuition as winter draws near. The creative process we all live within requires rest and renewal. Oftentimes, there is an easier way to achieve our goals, a way we will only see if we take a break and tune in. We all have some degree of introversion, and now is the time for you to nurture yours.

2. Burn some sage, as we all need plant medicine.

My sage is strong and lovely in the kitchen by the window, and conveniently close to the stove, for there isn’t much a sprig of sage cannot fit its flavor into! It’s also a wonderful cleanser. Did you know that the Native tradition of smudging, or burning sage to purify the home spiritually, is also backed by science? Sage smoke has antibacterial properties, so get yourself some and fill your home with this bright, comforting scent! You don't have to drop $15 at the health food store. You can simply dry a few leaves from your garden and burn them over a shell or other nonflammable dish. You can also watch for wild sage when you're out and about. It tends to rise above its surroundings, and is recognizable by it's lovely, light green color. Well, I guess that color would best be described as...sage. :) There is a way to harvest, though, a way to be about it. Ask first. Take only what you need, and give the earth a prayer and an offering in return.

3. Use my winter prep checklist, so you can relax and know you won't forget anything!

If you’re like me, you need a winter preparation checklist. Did you turn off the outdoor spigot? Bring in the bulbs and the plants that you want to overwinter inside? Lists are marvelous tools for quelling our anxieties. When you put it down on paper, it will stop circling around in your mind, stealing your peace. It doesn't need to be fancy, but fancy helps. I hope you will download mine! I'll even print it for you, if you like. Give me a call. It would be fun to see your face, neighbor!