The crisp beauty of autumn is something I love so much.  I find that I am always in awe of the magical wonder of the leaves turning vibrant shades of crimson, gold and deep orange on my way to work at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing.

I enjoy the cooler days where cozy sweaters can be worn. And of course there are the amazing foods that we all think of this time of year! Everything that this season has to offer brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

This fall I hope that you take the time to enjoy the season. Nurture your body, Calm Your Mind, Inspire Your Spirit with the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of autumn. I have put together some ideas for you to do just that:

Nurture Your Body:

• Go for a Nature walk and appreciate the beauty that we live in! Western Pennsylvania has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country. Breathe in the fresh air and be one with nature. Listen for the rustle of crisp leaves.
• Pamper yourself with a Pumpkin Spice Foot Reflexology! Breathe in the scents of fall while taking care of your body. Reflexology is believed to be beneficial for cleansing the body of toxins, inducing relaxation, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and balancing out energy. It can be a revitalizing treatment, both physically and mentally.
• Go shopping at your local farmer’s market. Eating foods that are grown locally and are in season will be fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than those found in your local big box stores.

Calm Your Mind:

• Escape into a Hot Stone Spa Ritual! As the heat relaxes your muscles you allow all of your worries to melt away. The Ayurvedic properties of this method are intended to bring you "out of your head and into your body”.
• Leave the thoughts in the pages of your journal. Fall is a great time to give your self the space and freedom to curl up on the couch and write. If you are not into writing, no worries -- a journal doesn’t have to be a novel. Find joy and peace in doodling and creating collage, giving your heart and mind permission to transfer themselves to paper, and then let it go.
• Curl up by a crackling bonfire, and be amazed by the stars. Enjoy the peace that comes with night fall in autumn or the comforts of friends and family joining you.

Inspire Your Spirit:

Inspiration can come from so many places; find yours in a fun activity.

• Love to Cook. Try making homemade apple sauce or a pumpkin soup. Work with the seasonal harvest and re-invent an old recipe.
• Give to those less fortunate. Volunteer at a local food bank. Donate your old coat or clothes to an organization collecting items for the winter months. Visit with a friend or loved one that might not be able to get out much.
• Feeling stuck or blue? Maybe you’re starting to feel like your just going through the motions. Have aches and pains that are putting you in a tired state? At the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing, we offer a range of Energy Medicine that can help you work on creating a healthier you and will uplift your soul.