Autumn Meditations

Dear reader,

I’ve come to believe there are two kinds of autumns in Scandinavia. First, there’s the one we all adore — the crisp, golden version where trees burn bright in red, yellow, and orange, and the air feels just brisk enough for an open jacket, a silk scarf, and loafers that tap cheerfully along dry pavements. Then, as if overnight, the other autumn arrives. The grey one. The one that forces you to clutch your coat, scarf, and hat against the sharp northern winds and soak you in rain. I fear that this second autumn has arrived now and is here to stay until Christmas time.

These are the weeks for slowing down, for steaming cups of tea, for scented candles, for blankets and quiet time. It’s the season of soft rituals: stretching your morning just a little longer, adding another spoonful of honey to your tea, letting the light fade without rushing to turn on a lamp.

Whatever your version of care looks like, whether it be baking, writing, walking, or simply doing nothing at all, be sure to make time for it. The world outside is whirling, but inside we can still choose gentleness.