All change - Appreciating Autumn elements

You know what I'm saying?
I have always loved this tune, it has some of the most beautiful soulful harmonies ever, I dare you not to sing or at least sway to it. created by hippy musicians, what is not to like about it.
Autumn, oh glorious Autumn, you have arrived with a bang, spot on as we hit the Equinox, with clear skies and a full moon, the temperatures plummeted, and probably the majority of the UK, have had their heating on, or at least had hot water bottle at bed time. After this remarkable, and yet almost sinister summer with the miraculous heatwaves we have had, it will come as a shock to the system to most, and already cold and flu type viruses are doing their rounds.

first frosty gang plank

What I love the most about Autumn, is sunny days, well, we all love sunny days don't we, but cold days, where I have the stove (log burning fire) lit, and yet the sun is beaming through the windows, adding a lovely glow inside the boat, I can watch the reflection of the water flickering on my ceiling. these are some of my favourite mediation times. When I meditate in doors, I have the window above me, and I can see the sun beaming in from the south, I can see trees swaying in the breeze, hear birds and water fowl, and clouds floating by, all next to the warmth of my fire.

water reflection on ceiling

my meditation spot

Autumn is a time for slowing down, reserving our energy for the cold times ahead, and we must be kind to ourselves and indulge in resting, when life allows, and be cosy with our friends and family. This is a more intimate time we will spend with others when they are invite into our homes.
As an off gridder, I am cherishing each day from now on that I can still use my washing machine on solar power, as the days get shorter, we gets less from the solar, till eventually in October, a generator or engine will have to power our washing machines.
On sunny autumn days, we can still have the privilege of using our washing lines, and I love to be able to dry my undies on my radiators or by the fire (saves me pegging them on the line).
Autumn, makes us notice nature, often we walk around blind to it distracted by the modern world. We notice the leaves changing colour, falling from the trees, the wildlife collecting their food for winter as they become more visible for a while. The birds migrating in their flocks, creating wonderful noises and scenes, especially the starling murmurations.
Who doesn't find a murmuration bewildering, and an honour to witness?
When you live off grid, especially on a narrow boat, which is long and dark, all of a sudden your electricity consumption becomes higher, and yet you are given less power from the sun. Its almost ironic. You will have to start using your lights in the morning, and late afternoon, or even in the day on particularly dark ones. Many of us have log burners, that require electricity to use the pump required for it. In house I guess you notice the cost in your energy bills, but on a boat or off grid, its more finite and visible, on a daily basis.

70s nostalgia

To say a great big thank you..

Now is the time of harvest, a wonderful time of   the year, that would have made us more thankful   years gone by when we were reliant upon local   produce. last year I attended my daughters   primary school harvest festival, and what a   treasure that was. We all sang Autumn days,   which I hadn't heard since I was a child nearly   40 years ago. It filled my heart with warmth to   join in the singing with the children, and made   me reflect upon the fact that so many people are   dis-engaged from nature and glad that me and my family have the connection and  are thankful for what she provides us, whether you are religious or not.

So we have to learn to embrace this period of time that we are more vulnerable to the elements, and personally, as much as I like soaking up the sun in a hammock in my bikini, I also like to wear snuggly fleeces, and cosy up on the sofa next to the fire. I'm glad I moved onto a boat (11 years ago now), it has made me respect life, and appreciate the simple things in life, in particular nature, and what it gives us, and what we should do to repay it, like taking care of it, I am awake. and I am thankful. And whats more my daughter, the next generation is too.

PS
My daughter and I had a lovely walk to school on the morning of the harvest festival. It was a glorious sunny but crisp autumn morning, and as we walked past the trees and the squirrels, we shared a moment singing Autumn Days on the way. It was bliss, and I have to treasure moments like this as she won't be 8 forever.
PPS
on the way back from drop off, I stop at the top of the hill and rest my back against a large sycamore tree and ground myself. I observe the beautiful blue sky view, then close my eyes and reflect upon nature, in particular the tree, and the ancestory it holds, remind me that I am privileged to be sharing its space, and breathing the same air. You should try it, is good for the soul and mindfulness.
PPPs
I went to a talk last night by a representative of local wildlife group BBOWT, (of which we are members), and the Green Party (a member of this too) leader Jonathan Bartley. Both speakers were strong and passionate in their messages about the importance of nature and wildlife for our existence, in particular mental health. Advising that we all need to re-connect and spend time in nature, I didn't think it appropriate to to put my hand up and say, "yeah guys, I hugged a tree this morning, it was sooo grounding", after all groups like the Green Party are already tarred with with brush that they are just a bunch of hippies.....