When I walk with the dogs at this time of year there’s a carpet of gold, orange and red on the ground for them to walk through as the trees give up their leaves. As we walk through the seasons our environment transforms. Just as the leaves reach their most beautiful, the trees let go and allow them to fall.
Nature transforms around us through endless cycles of growth and letting go. As humans, though we often see ourselves as separate, we are nature. We are a part of the beauty and a part of the same process of change, growth and regeneration.
Many of us find change uncomfortable, and difficult to navigate. Often, we prefer the familiarity of what we know, sometimes staying in difficult situations to avoid the fear, anxiety, and unpredictability that comes with the unknown; and yet, change is such a natural and essential part of life and living.
In nature, winter is a time of dormancy and restoration – a time to slow down, recharge and reflect before we transition into a fuller life in the spring time. In the modern world, since the development of electricity and year-round fast-paced living, we don’t get a chance to rest and reflect, or to welcome seasonal changes. We live in an ever-moving world and rarely have the opportunity to experience change and growth develop and unfold gradually as nature intended.
So, how can we manage the fast pace of change that life now demands and the lack of opportunity to slow down and reflect?
The first thing to say is that since we are nature, we can and will adapt to different experiences, but, because we are human, we may have lots of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings as we adapt. We often fear letting go of what has become familiar to us – the good and the bad. It makes sense that we want to hold on to what feels good, but we humans often try to hold on to the hard times too, because our minds prefer what we know. When we are familiar with something, we understand it and we fear it much less – and humans will often avoid fear at any cost.
Remember, even with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, when we focus on what matters in our lives and we let that guide us, we can let the discomfort be there without it controlling us. We can focus on the importance of growth and change – the longer-term goals- to enable us to be with the tough feelings that arise. We can allow our metaphorical leaves to fall by focusing on what matters to use – the new growth that can only happen when we can let go of what we know.
As nature doesn’t judge itself for changing, we too can offer ourselves kindness and compassion as we face challenges, changes and insecurities. Using our senses we can take our focus of attention on to what is here and now when our minds want to race ahead with fearful thoughts, or we can use visualisation – imagine, just as a tree, you have roots which can ground you and steady you through uncertain times.
Just as the seasons bring change, loss and growth, so we will experience all of these things through our own lives. Each season, every phase of life has its own purpose and beauty, and each adds to the richness of our lives. Change is inevitable. Sometimes change feels sad and difficult, but when we meet that change with compassion and values-guided actions, we will navigate a meaningful and authentic growth, just as nature does.
With November love
Sarah x
FAQ’s
Why do I find change so difficult to cope with?
Our minds are wired to seek safety and familiarity, so change naturally creates anxiety and fear. Remember, feeling this way is natural and human. With self-compassion and focusing on what is important to you, you can navigate these feelings and find growth through change.
How can I let go of experiences and emotions?
Letting go can feel daunting because our minds hold onto what they know, even when it’s uncomfortable. You can approach this process gently by acknowledging your feelings without judgment and grounding yourself in what matters most to you. Visualizing yourself as a tree shedding leaves can help—letting go creates space for new growth.
How can I slow down and reconnect with myself when life is so fast paced?
Try taking moments each day for reflection, rest and stillness. Using your senses – like noticing sounds, sights and smells around you – can ground you in the present moment. These small pauses can help you rediscover balance and align with the natural rhythms of life.
How can I embrace growth when it feels uncomfortable?
Growth often generates discomfort because it asks you to step into the unknown. You can begin to embrace growth by focusing on what is meaningful in your life and allowing yourself to experience uncomfortable emotions without letting them define or control you. Just like nature, growth happens when we let go of what no longer serves us and make space for something new.
What can nature teach us about managing change?
Nature shows us that change is an essential part of life. Trees let go of their leaves each autumn and the seasons change year in year out. We can learn to move with the rhythms of change, trusting that each phase of life has its purpose and beauty. Compassion for ourselves, like nature’s non-judgmental acceptance, can guide us through.
Why is self-compassion so important?
Self-compassion helps us meet change with kindness instead of criticism. It allows us to accept our feelings, care for ourselves during difficult times, and stay open to the possibilities of growth and renewal. With compassion, we can move forward authentically and meaningfully, even when the path feels uncertain.
Meet Sarah
Sarah is a BACP accredited psychotherapist who has a special interest in working with those who struggle with their relationship with food, weight and body image. She originally trained in relational counselling and has since qualified in EMDR, Compassion Focused Therapy, and ACT.
Sarah’s experience has been developed in a variety of settings including supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse, as well as many years of working with individuals and groups in mental health teams and a specialist NHS eating disorder service. She delivers training and education around working safely and effectively with people with eating disorders and has been a guest on several podcasts as well as co-hosting her own podcast previously.
Sarah now works in private practice where her passion, alongside her own lived experience of an eating disorder, shape her hopeful, compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy.
