Autumn Anxiety
It might seem a bit early to talk about autumn, but highly sensitive people feel the turn of the seasons during these first days of August, and it can often trigger Autumn Anxiety. As I shared on Instagram recently:
Autumn is the season of nostalgia. It’s the season of grief and firelight and letting go. It’s a time when memories from the past often surface, and we feel more connected to our departed ancestors. Even though the heat of summer still blazes, as minutes of sunlight decrease each day we feel the descent. We can love autumn still feel anxious about its arrival as it signals the passage of time.
Community Garden Flower: Beth Hartshone
As such, it’s the ideal time to plant the flower that is Beth Hartshorne in the Community Garden. Two of her music videos are linked below, as well as a link to more of her work. Please feel free to share your comments below!
Here is Beth’s email to me after I announced the Community Garden (shared with permission):
I love the concept of a community garden and wanted to take the opportunity to share a song I wrote called Autumn’s Approaching, linked here.
I wrote Autumn’s Approaching several years ago as I noticed that, after losing my Grandma (my secure base / heroine), a fresh wave of sadness and sense of loss would arrive with this seasonal transition. I thought I was the only person to experience this until I read your book, The Wisdom of Anxiety. I remember how it brought a sense of validation and connection, knowing I wasn’t alone in this experience. It spurred me on to have the courage to share my songs with hope that I could extend that offering to another highly sensitive person.
Your work has helped me through anxiety, marriage and, more recently, becoming a mother. Again, I was surprised to find my experience reflected in your work as I wanted nothing more than to be by the sea when I was pregnant, and wrote a song called ‘This Shore’ – it’s so interesting to see how humans intuitively connect with nature’s wisdom at each stage of life!
Thank you for your work and wisdom.
Click here to listen to more of Beth’s gorgeous music.
What a gift you are, Beth, and what an honor to share the gift of you with my audience.
Note: To read more posts about autumn, click here.
Yes, I am feeling the pending seasonal shift (even with 90 degree days) earlier this year. Nature reminds us with a few dropping leaves (something only highly sensitive souls would note) and annuals that are at the end of their contribution to our beautiful surroundings. The days are subtly shorter. Now I begin to prepare for fall rituals, including setting aside potential books for reading and tea time, and planning to stick with healthy nutritional options when the carb cravings come to call. And yes, poignant thoughts of loved ones that have passed visit more regularly now. Preparing to move inward…(and getting the light box ready 🙂
Thank you for your affirming perspective!
Brightest Blessings!
Jean
Hi Jean, thanks for sharing and that’s inspired me to prepare too 🙂
Three days ago, I noticed that the sky’s blue looked different, as it always does when August and September come.
Two days ago, I was deeply grieving my grandmother (she passed away in Spring).
Yesterday, as I was sorting through some knick knack from my childhood (I’m 33), I felt a deep nostalgia. I told my boyfriend “Somehow I am really sad, but I don’t really know why”.
This morning I read your post and find solace in it. Thank you Sheryl for your work.
Hey Nadine, just wanted to say that I really relate to this and am sending some love your way.
Yesterday I felt a sudden sadness as well. My father passed away in October 2020, when I was 10 weeks pregnant. The shift to fall has always been triggering for me since. And last year it contributed to a long bout of chronic relationship OCD, for which I feel I am finally coming out of due to a confluence of the right therapy and medication. I am grateful for Sheryl’s work as well in this field.
So far the sadness this year doesn’t feel as impossibly dark. I appreciate this.
I am grateful to have this mirrored here!
Grateful this has connected with you, Léa. Thank you for sharing. I just want to say I’m so sorry for your loss and having had such a hard time recently. Sharing the hope for some lighter days ahead and sending some love your way this fall.
Gorgeous songs Beth, I could feel every word in my heart and soul 🙂
Thank you so much, Rona. I really appreciate hearing that – from one heart and soul to another 😊
I echo Jean’s sentiments and appreciate the reminder of carb cravings as I’ve been indulging and couldn’t figure out why now. Thanks. I also like Sheryl’s question of “what do I need to let go of?”. It has become my “mantra” this fall, especially when I’m feeling anxious at night. Beautiful harvest blessings to all.