What Would You Like to Carry Into October?
What Would You Like to Carry Into October?
Here in Virginia, USA, October can still bring beautiful, warm afternoons. At the same time I begin to notice cooler evenings and the daylight slowly growing shorter. Those small changes make me want to pause and pay attention to how I’m spending my time.
One of my favorite ways to settle into an evening is with a cup of Spiced Chai black tea. I also enjoy Vanilla Chai, and if I’m drinking tea at night, I sometimes choose a decaffeinated version. I’m fairly new to exploring teas, but I love their warm scent. It reminds me of the crisp evenings that start to arrive around this time of year.
Lately I’ve been exploring simple breathing practices and meditations that take about ten minutes. I’m looking for small ways to feel more grounded, especially when life feels busy. Ten quiet minutes often feel more possible than setting aside an entire hour. These short practices are a form of mindful living for me—easy to fit into a day and surprisingly calming.
Your way of pausing may look different. You might sit outside while the air is comfortable, take a short walk, or watch the light change at the end of the day. Other evenings, staying indoors with a warm drink and a few quiet breaths might feel just right. These are the simple self-care practices that help me slow down without creating more pressure. They’re practical steps for finding calm in everyday life.
As September ends, I’ve been asking myself: What would I like to carry into October? Maybe it’s a small ritual—a cup of chai and ten minutes of breathing—that helps me pause and feel more present. Maybe it’s the decision to notice the light and the air, or to step outside for a brief walk. Whatever it is, it doesn’t need to be big to make a difference.
What about you? Wherever you live, what does this time of year feel like for you? Is there something that helped you feel steady in September that you’d like to bring forward? If you enjoy tea, I’d love your suggestions. What Chai or other tea brands do you like, especially ones with simple ingredients? I’m learning and curious to try new blends that feel warm and uncomplicated.
If you want to try something small this October, consider one short practice that helps you notice and breathe—something you can do in ten minutes. It might become a steady way to practice mindful living and keep a sense of calm through the changing days.
With warmth,
Linda B. Riddle
The Wise Woman Mentor
