Enchanting and quiet November

It's the first frosty morning of November and I couldn't wait to go outside with my camera. To enjoy the early morning silence and watch the glittering of nature when it's caressed by rays of sunlight.

I just have to step out of our garden into the nature reserve to wander in a magical world with icy sparkles on wildflower silhouettes and seedpods. I deeply inhale the crisp air and feel so incredibly blessed to spend this morning outside in nature to witness its enchanting beauty and stillness.

November

is the pause between golden light

and winter hush,

where stillness feels like home

Noise is everywhere these days and our world continues to grow louder every day. Maybe we don't notice it anymore but along the way, it has begun to affect us. When we're surrounded by noise, it's as if our souls have a slow leak and we can feel our energy ebbing away.

There's definitely something about stillness and a corresponding quietness of heart that is inviting and appealing to me, especially in this world full of hustle and never-ending noise. Maybe you feel the same and also long for a quieter world.

We can't change much about our society. But we can about how we deal with it and how much we allow it to affect our lives.

As November is a month of deepening stillness, we can create space for reflection and our inner world. It can be a time to slow down and to find beauty in the bare and decay. A time to pause and to let go of what no longer serves us, just like the trees are shedding their leaves.

During my walk in this enchanting frosty landscape, I'm reflecting about what this means for my life. I notice I still struggle with how and when to use Instagram. It's the only social media app I use and often I convince myself it's for the sake of my business.

But if I'm honest I don't want to use my precious time on it. I don't want to add to the endless scrolling culture. I want breathing space in my days and live life well without the need for perfection and success. I don't want to compare my life with others and feel this constant pressure to achieve more, create more, share more, … .

I think we've quite lost our way in this digital world where we're ruled by our devices and screens. We've become detached of what it really means to be human, to live an honest and meaningful life.

I don't think I'm the only one who is longing for a simpler and more peaceful way to live, am I?! And even if it's a daily struggle learning to do this, with trial and error, it's worth the effort.

Coming home from this walk, I feel delighted and refreshed. Being surrounded by so much natural beauty and quietness has helped me to see things in perspective and make clear decisions.

‘Set aside time, and allot certain hours

to the welfare of your soul.’

St. Augustine

I hope this November may bring you moments of reflection, stillness and the muted beauty of these last autumn days before winter arrives.