Finding a balance this September - Emma Coonan

"AS September nears a close, those early risers among us will be noticing the changes in the morning light and the slight nip in the air this week. It is fair to say that Autumn has arrived" - writes Emma Coonan in this month's column.

Those of us who love the experience of a flickering fire in the evening, or the welcoming glow of candles on the mantlepiece after dark will relish this change. Others however may mourn the bright evening sunshine and early morning light. Although these fluctuations between light and dark are natural and expected seasonal changes, they can still have an impact on us, no matter how often they come around.

As I reflected on this earlier in the week, I remembered an old proverb I have always liked; ‘September dries up ditches or breaks down bridges.’ It occurred to me that September is a month full of contrasts, perhaps not unlike our relationship with wellbeing.

Waiting for the rain
September can be a busy month for many, as schools and colleges start up again, and the memory of the August sunshine can feel as though it is already a long time ago.

While August is often a time for respite and relaxation, September can feel like a ‘back to reality ‘ time for some. Reality may be very welcome, or it may perhaps bring some trepidation.

Like this September proverb, our ditches might already be feeling a little sparse, as we get used to slightly shorter days, and busier schedules. That rain we are waiting for might be that much needed replenishment and rejuvenation, perhaps found through taking a Saturday off instead of running errands, or doing something we enjoy despite competing demands for our time.

This weekend, before September draws to close, why not take a few moments to enjoy some down time. When it comes to our wellbeing, sometimes the replenishment we are waiting for can only arrive when we slow down long enough to meet it.

Weathering the storm
In the spirit of contrasts of course, the dry weather may be much longed for as we weather the storms of life, which can sometimes feel like they may break down the bridges of our wellbeing.

When I woke up on Monday morning and saw the hints of a misty and cloudy September sky through the blinds, I found myself reaching for my phone to check the weather app. Even though I could see there was a drizzle of rain in the air, I said out loud, as if to convince the rain outside, “the app says it’s not to rain today.”

It is one of the many mysteries and oddities of life, how even when something is right in front of us, our mind can look for an alternative explanation. This can certainly be true when it comes to the simplest (yet sometimes hardest) wellbeing activity – taking pause. Often, even though the signs are right in front of us, we can find ourselves turning to alternative explanations. Instead of taking that pause, we may convince ourselves that this can wait until next weekend, or maybe when things are less busy.

Finding the balance
During an often active month like September, our day (or week, or even month) can sometimes feel either like we are either waiting for the rain to come, or we are warding off the flood. Another phrase I often hear people say is that ‘it’s either a feast or a famine’ when it comes to events they encounter.

The fact that we can use these expressions so naturally in our day to day conversations tells us how many contrasts we face every day, and how often, perhaps without even thinking about it too much, we must adapt and move between unexpected and changeable events.

The very nature of the seasons and their quiet yet consistent ability to adapt without rupture can be a good reminder to all of us that we too have this natural ability within us. This can help to reassure us that even in the face of uncertain courses, we too can adapt and find ways to navigate, keeping simple wellbeing practices on hand to help us to weather the storms.

A final thought...
A season of contrasts, September is a month of beautiful change, colour, and new beginnings. This week, why not give yourself permission to take pause, to slow down, or to catch your breath, remembering that this is not only allowed during the summer holiday months, but at any time during your everyday.

Emma Coonan is an Accredited Psychotherapist with IAHIP and ICP, Lectures in Psychotherapy, and is a qualified Adult Education Trainer. After leaving Coláiste Phobal Roscrea, Emma studied English and Media in Maynooth University, before combining her Psychotherapy training with experience in the corporate world. Emma focuses on applying Psychotherapy practices for everyday living, through developing resilience, stress response, and mindfulness practice.