How time does fly over the summer, and what a fun filled one it has been. Now that it is coming to a close, it is time to start making preparations for the time of being inside. For reassessing that which we want to carry with us through the autumn and winter seasons. I have been filled with a few new goals, which also means that I need to be sure I have adequate tools and reserves to be successful. This need to clean out has been hitting hard, leading to some individuals in my household to feel the acute discomfort that I can best equate to the Elder Futhark rune Nauthiz. It is a deep sense of discomfort leading to a need for making changes. Some individuals may experience this feeling as depression, melancholy, anger or a host of other emotions. It may be a readiness to change out one addiction for one that may be a healthier.
Haasova and colleagues recent meta analysis results published in the journal
Addiction suggest that individuals working on smoking cessation had fewer cravings when they engaged in physical activity. This may also be related to why an individual began a habit in the first place. For some individuals addiction arises as a need for escape, to be alone, or to be with nature. Maybe it was a way to protect, to create a smoke shield so that we could remain hidden from others. A way to dissociate and be away as a means of protection.
For each individual, this threshold for separation from the world is different. It is important for us to not judge where some one else is on their journey. In addition, the end point, that feeling of hitting bottom is as individualized as the triggers that cause one to feel as though they need to separate from their world in order to cope with their circumstances. We are able to see our own limitations and thresholds, but they are the only ones we can truly control. For others, we may be able to see a glimpse of their journey, but we are unable to travel their journey for them. At most, we can offer tools, or aids to be used along the way. However, in the moment, only we wield our own tools.
Fortunately, if we look carefully, we can step back and see what tools are still working for us, and those we are willing to exchange. I know that this autumn time reminds me that I have choices to make, what do I want to carry with me through the winter, and what needs to be cleaned out. This year I knew I needed to add physical activity into my tool bag, and walking was not cutting it so began training for a marathon instead. For me this helps me to clear my head and allows me a chance to connect with nature in a very tangible way.
Enjoy the change of the seasons, happy autumn!