Taking a pause in September might sound like the opposite of what the world is telling you to do. In back-to-school season, the focus is on returning to routines, setting ambitious goals and pushing yourself to do more. But this narrative misses one simple lesson I’ve learned time and time again. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
You can’t make the most of the final months of the year if you don’t have the energy, calm and clarity to manage your workload and all your responsibilities outside of work. For working mums, the workday isn’t 9 to 5 but from the moment we get up to the moment our heads hit the pillow at night. We need a support system in place to be able to do everything we want to do during the rest of the year without burning out. That’s what The Autumn Pause helps you to build.
What is The Autumn Pause?
The Autumn Pause is an invitation to take a few hours for yourself, both to find calm and peace in the moment and to prepare for the months ahead. Soon after the busyness of back-to-school comes the busyness of Christmas. So we have to juggle end-of-year responsibilities at work alongside a full calendar in our personal lives, all while the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. This is the time to figure out how you will look after yourself while you are looking after everyone and everything else.
So I’m hosting a retreat on Saturday 19th September to guide you through The Autumn Pause. Join me at Drumshallon Forge Heritage Centre between 10 am and 2 pm to set yourself up for the end of the year.
The Autumn Pause Retreat is for you if:
- You feel exhausted after a busy summer and need to refill your energy reserves as we head towards the end of the year.
- You dread the autumn/winter period because you notice how the nights closing in affect your energy and wellbeing.
- You already feel overwhelmed by the back-to-school rush but don’t have time to slow down and catch your breath.
- You find it hard to relax, settle and sleep so you need something that helps your mind and body let go after long days.
- You’re curious about aromatherapy but don’t know where to start with essential oils or how they’ll help you.
- You want someone to look after you for a change and to be able to forget the worries of everyday life for a while.
What you’ll take away from The Autumn Pause
The Autumn Pause is first and foremost where you come to rest, truly rest. There is no one making demands of you or needing your help with anything. Nothing to organise. No deadlines to meet. You can slow down from always being on the go and just be for a while. The practices I guide you through on the day can be easily replicated outside of sessions. Add these techniques to your self-care toolkit. They are all simple and quick so you can feel their therapeutic effects in the pockets of time you have for yourself.
You will also deepen your relationship with aromatherapy, whether you are new to it or have been using essential oils for a while. We’ll explore the oils you personally are drawn to for this season of your life.
The flow of the retreat looks something like this:
- A warm welcome drink that initiates relaxation and helps you to leave everyday worries at the door.
- A seasonal check-in where you can think about your health, wellbeing and needs without guilt or distraction.
- Guided relaxation supported by aromatherapy that deepens rest and relaxation and demonstrates a simple technique for melting away stress.
- Autumn scent exploration where you can try different essential oils, notice how you respond to them and find the oils your nervous system needs right now.
- Personalised blend creation where you turn your chosen essential oils into a bath/shower gel that you can use as a daily anchor throughout the season.
- Gentle breathwork to extend the relaxation and show you a way to come back to your body when your mind is noisy.
- A closing circle with tea and homemade treats where you can reflect on your experience and what you will take into your self-care routine.
When the world is saying rush but your body is saying slow down, listen to your body. It knows what it needs to achieve your goals in a healthy and sustainable way. Take The Autumn Pause now so the rest of the year is as amazing as you have planned.
Book your ticket to The Autumn Pause on Saturday 19th September HERE. Bring along a loved one to share this experience and receive a special discount on your tickets. Find out more about our seasonal retreats HERE.