“The Big Fat Lie” September 2009 Focus:

Greetings participants and welcome to our September 2009 focus. Consider the focus the cliff notes for what we will be working on each month. Posted below, you will find many writing pieces that will expand on our autumn focus that will be extending over the months of September, October, and November. The writing pieces are presented as a source of knowledge for ways you can move in harmony with the seasonal rhythm. Listed in the various posts are approaches you can pick and choose from as you so desire to embody the energy of this season. The monthly focus however, includes specific exercises that we will be working on as a group. Please post your experiences with these exercises, as well as any additional seasonal focus suggestions presented that you choose to implement. This is a collective journey we are embarking on and sharing our experiences and stories fosters a sense of community.

The following exercises are our mind, body, spirit, and nature focuses for this present month of September 2009. Enjoy!

Mind:

- Read one of the books or watch one of the films presented in the, “What’s up with This Whole Foods Stuff Anyways” post.

Body:

- Begin your gentle exploration of whole foods as outlined in the, “What’s up with This Whole Foods Stuff Anyways” post.

- Sample one of the seasonal fruits or vegetables from the, “Savoring the Season – The Feast of the Autumnal Harvest” list that you have never tried before. If you are a true foodie and have savored every fruit and vegetable listed, enjoy one of these seasonal delights in a new way. Try a new recipe. Treat yourself to a meal out and select a menu item that features seasonal produce as the shining star. Explore creative ways that you can enjoy the harvest of the season in fresh new ways.

- Begin your physical training as outlined in the, “Moving Your Body to the Rhythm of the Autumn Season” post.

Spirit:

- An important aspect of autumn’s energy is to be grateful for the blessings we have received. Fostering gratitude in our lives increases our potential to receive abundance and helps us develop an optimistic mindset. When we focus on the good in our lives we open the doorway for more positivity to flow in and nourish our beings. In the space of thankfulness, we feel loved and this nurtures our souls. To help you connect with the energy of gratitude, begin a 'Gratitude Journal'. Every night before you go to bed, take a few moments to reflect on your day and list three things in your journal that the day offered that you are grateful for. Life’s gifts come in many forms. Expand your vision to see the good around you. Maybe someone let you step ahead of them in line at the bank. Perhaps a stranger shared a warm smile and a friendly ‘hello’. Then again, as you sipped your morning tea, you could have witnessed the most breathtaking sunrise. Open your heart to appreciate the blessings life has gifted you with and you will create a space of receptiveness that will invite more of the good things in life to come your way.

Feeling Your Connection to Nature:

- Enjoy a walk in one of your local or state parks to observe the changing cycles of nature. Pause during your walk to sit and reflect. Breathe in the crisp autumn air. Tap into the energy of the season approaching. Wrap yourself in the surrounding beauty of the changing fall foliage. Speak a silent thank you from your heart for the gift of nature and the honor of being blessed to have access to this healing resource. Pay your respect by bringing a small bag with you. As you notice garbage strewn on the paths and trails, pick it up to dispose of later. These seemingly small acts of care and tending deepen our connection to the natural world. If the earth mama in you moves you and you live in the state of California, Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 9:00 am-noon is California Coastal Cleanup Day. I can’t think of a better way to show appreciation for the blessing of nature than donating our time and energy to show mother earth our care. If you would like to volunteer in this effort, visit coast4U.org to find a site in your community.

- At least once this month, purchase or fresh pick a fall bouquet to grace your dining table.