Mabon Challenge Day 5: Autumnal Hibernation, Coziness, and Rest

And why pumpkin spice lattes might actually indicate a deeper collective desire to return to seasonal rituals of yore

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Happy Monday, lovely readers, and happy fall!

Between the full moon and Mabon, we just moved a huge amount of energy last week. This Monday/Tuesday, I want to invite you to embrace rest as we enter a new week and a new season.

I’m going to keep things very simple for this challenge — no altars or elaborate rituals. And no scented candles or fancy spiced drinks are necessary (though they are certainly optional).

All I want you to do over the next two days is spend a little time creating some truly comfortable moments for yourself.

This might be as simple as making your bed, putting on your favorite pajamas or sweatshirt, and making a cup of tea. It also might look like honoring your inner child by doing something like making a blanket fort or spending some time outside listening to the birds.

Ask yourself: what do you need today to feel comfortable and safe? Would you feel better if you gently cleaned your space or did some light personal maintenance or gentle yoga? Or do you just need to slow down and let go of your to-do list?

Do you need to drink water? Do you need more nutrients in the form of a large harvest salad or fuel in the form of a comforting soup or pasta dish? See if you can incorporate something autumnal into something you eat today — a butternut squash soup, or a salad with sweet potatoes in it, or anything with cinnamon or pumpkin are all great ways to invoke the season.

We may roll our eyes at pumpkin spice lattes, but actually, eating in tune with the seasons is natural for us. Maybe — just maybe — pumpkin spice lattes are evidence that we’re all just missing seasonal rituals and longing for deeper communion with the earth’s natural rhythms … but all we have are hyper-capitalist ad campaigns and super-sugary drinks in order to do so. (If you like those drinks, though, by all means grab one today).

Try drinking lots of water and hot, relaxing drinks like cider or herbal tea. Avoid the hot toddies, though, as alcohol will just sap your energy even more. I’d also humbly suggest avoiding weed and other substances (though of course no judgment).

No matter what, try to embrace your innocence and simplicity. Don’t put extra strain on your lovely human vessel. Listen to it. If there’s pain, what is that pain trying to tell you? If a lot is coming up, can you try to listen to what that pain is saying?

You can also try a technique I sometimes use called somatic visualization, and here’s how it goes: queue up some relaxing music, lie down, scan through each part of your body, and simply see what comes up.

If something pops up, try to look at it. Really look at it — really feel it — and allow it to transform into images or stories. Follow those images. Watch them from a removed distance. Let them shift and become something else.

No matter what you do today and tomorrow, try to focus on nourishing your body. Take out your warmest sweater and softest socks. Request a long hug from a loved one — they might need it as much as you do.

Or, try giving yourself the love you seek. How would you feel if you had all the love you wanted, right now? Can you feel that in this moment, in your body? Can you realize all the love you need is right within you?

Please enjoy this gallery of cats understanding the assignment completely — all saved on my Pinterest:

Whatever you do, prioritize resting and nurturing yourself. Fall is a time for figuring out ways to stay warm, and soothing your soul, and moving towards a more rest-based style of living.

It’s also a time of change and decay and letting go. If you’re interested in a more active cleansing or simplifying practice to mirror the seasonal shift that’s occurring, you might try saying no to something or someone. Delete your social media apps for a day. Turn off all the noise.

And take some time to reflect on what really matters. In what ways are you overcomplicating your life? See if you can simplify your life in some way, shape or form.

Try offloading some of your worries or stresses to whatever higher power or spirit you believe in. Trust that the universe has your back and it’s all in good hands. Say a few gentle positive affirmations out loud and emotionally connect to the meaning of your words.

And finally, if you’re still inspired after cozying up, here’s a creative prompt for the day: