Issue #14: Fall Brew: Books, Projects, and Mindful Seasonal Planning
Issue #14: Fall Brew: Books, Projects, and Mindful Seasonal Planning
Plus cozy October recs
Welcoming the September equinox turned into a weeklong practice in coziness and fall cleaning, thanks in part to a series of rainy-gloomy days, my husband’s birthday (and a happy excuse to cook up allll the yummy things), and few home projects that are making our house warm and refreshed.
Lighting the first candle of the season is never overrated in my book. And so is the hope and anticipation of what a new season will bring.
Last December I started a practice of quarterly reviews—formal sit-downs to reflect on progress and goals in various areas of my life, from work and finances, to wellness, family, and personal projects (like this one!).1 As I slowly start to align myself more with nature-based living, I’m shifting these reviews from “corporate quarterly” to seasonally with the solstices and equinoxes.
And wow has it felt magical to align my priorities with the natural shifts of the earth. Here’s what’s coming to mind for me.
Winding down, instead of ramping up. Quarterly reviews tend to be moments for goal-setting and adrenaline-inducing loftiness (my Aries rising loves this). But with the autumn season in mind, and knowing how naturally full it can be with the holidays, travel, and family get-togethers, I’m focusing less on adding new goals and things to tackle to the list. Instead, I’m taking stock of what I already have on my plate, what I’d like to wrap up by season’s end, and making consistency the goal itself.
Shadow work. As darkness takes over our days, it’s a natural time for some internal work. Scorpio season brings the depth and intensity (and emotional sensitivity) that lends well to tending to our shadow selves. Halloween, Samhaim, Día de los Muertos—however you like to think of this time of year—brings our world a little more in connection with the beyond, also making it a promising time to work with our ancestors. But: shadow work is best done with guidance from the experts. I’m honoring this time of year by diving into two of the greats: The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford and Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés.
Finding true joy (and relaxation) during the holidays. Especially with a little one in the home these last few years, I tend to put pressure on myself to make sure we do all the things. See all the friends, do all the traditions, and not miss an ounce of the magic and warmth Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas bring. Core memories, y’all. Last year, I burnt out (still exhausted thinking about it). This year, I’m joyfully embracing fewer activities, but better moments. What this looks like: “guest mode” instead of “host mode,” a couple core Thanksgiving dishes instead of a full-on feast, and keeping Christmas intimate and low-key (especially the gift giving).
Here’s what’s queued up on the Mind Brew editorial calendar for the new year!
A Notion tour in three(ish) parts. Notion is my systems secret weapon, and after so much tinkering and overhauling the last few months, I’m excited to share exactly how I structure my digital home for creativity, writing, learning, and intentional living.
A getting started guide to cyclical and seasonal living: AKA, exactly how I structure my time day to day, month to month, and season to season ✨
The Artist’s Way book club: ICYMI, we’re just a couple weeks into our fall book club pick, The Artist’s Way. It’s not too late to join! More discussion and bonus posts soon as we make our way through this 12-week creative journey.
🔪 Totally Killer on Prime: My husband for the movie-picking win here. I’m a scaredy cat, and my idea of a good Halloween movie is something less gory and more nostalgic. Totally Killer has the perfect balance of thrill and humor, set in a small town that (literally) kicks it back to the 80s.
🍵 Vanilla Bean Macaron Tazo Tea: I am big on fall scents, and while usually candles and incense are the go-tos, I’ve forgotten about the magic of a good cup of tea with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and chai. Thank you to
for sending me home this weekend with a couple packets of her favorite (plus such elegant tea cups to match).🥧 Bon Appétit’s Shepherd’s Pie: Here’s an artist date for you—a cooking project! This shepherd’s pie is a decadent cold-weather favorite, indulgent in both flavor and involvement. There’s a lot of moving parts to this recipe, so prepare to settle into your kitchen for an afternoon and make a happy mess. The end dish is so rewarding.
I’m mapping my reads to my seasonal goals, balancing learning with pure enjoyment.
Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power by Pam Grossman. I read this back in 2019 and instantly knew this would be something I reach for again and again. Seems like that time is now.
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity, Brilliance, and Dreams by Debbie Ford. Finally getting around to this as I dip my toes in some shadow work.
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. Of course, our fall book club pick :)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchet. Specifically, the audiobook read by Meryl Streep. I’m a couple chapters in so far, and Streep is such a perfect performer for this.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. This sequel to Fourth Wing releases in November. I haven’t been pulled into a series this good in a long time.
The Guest by Emma Cline. Hard to resist a New York City story set in the late summer.
Passing the mic to you! What’s brewing for you this season? Drop your reads, recs, goals, and projects below!
I actually typically do two reviews. One with my husband, and one privately. I treat it like a date with myself — cozy, candlelit, with a warm drink in hand.