Three Glimmers | 10.24

Snapshots of joy from the middle of autumn.

Welcome to The Autumn Chronicles, a place to shine a light on all the wonder around us as we navigate the seasons. I hope these writings allow you to sit quietly with a cup of something warm and comforting and take a few moments for yourself away from the rush and hurry. If you would like to make sure you get all newsletters directly to your inbox, please subscribe below. Thank you for being here.

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After a joyous September, October’s autumn wind has brought more challenges and struggles than I would have liked. Work has been relentless. We are navigating a family bereavement. This particular part of the UK has felt like it is entering the grey time; that period of the year when the skies are leaden and heavy and it feels like there will be no respite until at least April. As the clocks go back this weekend, there is an anticipation of darkness, of a sense of futility and resignation to the impermanence of beauty and light that can prevail at this time of year.

Glimmers. They are the perfect antidote to bleak weather or to an existential crisis and they encourage the seeking out and examining of tiny moments of joy refracted through the lens of our lives. In a month when I have often felt overwhelmed and where I have sought to avoid the blue-grey tones of melancholy hiding in the shadows, these glimmers have hinted at a world that is dappled with colour and for which I am especially grateful.

Art

All photos © The Autumn Chronicles

I would be the first to admit that I don’t know much about art but I have always been drawn to the Impressionists. My parents took me to Monet’s house in Giverny when I was a teenager and, on a trip to Paris as an adult, I was captivated by the collection of Nymphéas in the Musée de l'Orangerie. The National Gallery in London has curated an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Vincent Van Gogh and my husband and I spent a very contented Friday evening ambling round the gallery, reacquainting ourselves with old favourites and discovering new ones. I particularly loved Autumn Garden (The Public Park) as a reminder that, over 100 years ago, Van Gogh was also focused on capturing the transience of time through his landscapes and to enjoy what makes a season special while it lasts.

Leaves

It wouldn’t be autumn without leaves. There is a tree at the end of my road that puts on a marvellous display every year, starting with the faintest hint of crimson among the green and then cycling through shades of butterscotch and copper before the leaves take on hues of burnished bronze and gold as they fall. It doesn’t last long - barely a fortnight - but the colours are dazzling and offer a small spark of joy to be savoured against the mists and drizzle of autumn.

Self Care

I have been making more of an effort to prioritise self care, which for me mostly involves reading, eating seasonal foods and finding events I can go to after work to help me decompress. I am generally not good at managing my stress levels so I have tried to be diligent in setting time aside to do things that I enjoy to regain some balance. A revelation for me this month has been Yoga For Tired People; bitesized videos I can fit into a lunch break and that seem, magically, to be targeted at all the things with which I need help. I am not someone who has ever truly enjoyed exercise (I hate feeling hot and sweaty) but this practice makes me feel like I am moving my body in a way that is purposeful and that leaves me feeling restored, replenished and calm. It also forces me to slow down; focusing on timing each movement with my breath is a great exercise for someone who longs to live a slower, more intentional life but isn’t always that successful in doing so.

I’d love to know: what glimmers have sparkled for you as we journey further into autumn?

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