Autumn Rambles Day 10

An online resource from The Prayer Bench, adapted and used with permission.

Rambling Prompt:  Snow Tires!

As you ramble around your local community, observe the end of season practices happening as people prepare for winter. Use the metaphor of packing up in Autumn for the winter months to ponder your own practices and preparations for changes in your own life up ahead in the near or distant future.


Reflection:Some people wait until the first snowfall. It serves as a visual reminder that it is time to put snow tires on the car. Others have them on by November 1, snow or no snow. It is a ritual of getting ready for the changing season.
Changing into snow tires comes after the garden is harvested, the cottage is packed up, the fall and winter clothes are released from “off season” and the bright t-shirts and shorts of summer are stored away.
The ritual of switching to snow tires signals a long winter coming with winds and snowstorms, freezing rain and bitter cold. “Designed to stay soft in cold temperatures for ultimate grip on snow and ice,” snow tires provide grounding in bad weather.
Today I (Rev. Gail) called to book to have tires changed - it is time to get ready with my snow tires.   Soon, it will be time to bring out the Christmas decorations!  
What are some of your end of season practices? In what ways do your practices help you stay grounded in transitional times? As you transition from one time to the next, I invite you to pause a moment and give thanks to God for the season that has just happened, and the ask for blessing on the season ahead.
Practice:
Transitions can be stressful and anxious.  We often hold that stress in our bodies.   Allowing our bodies to feel physically grounded can help us to feel grounded in our thoughts and emotions. This is particularly helpful if we’re dealing with changes and stresses. 
I invite you to try this exercise.
Stand in a doorway with your feet apart, touching each side of the doorway so you can feel the pressure of touch. 
Use your hands or upper arms to push on both sides of the doorway as hard as you can. Take note of how your body feels as you apply pressure. 
Name those things aloud to God which are causing you stress while continuing to apply pressure. 
Release the pressure and relax, taking deep breaths. 
Notice how you feel.
“I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CEV
Peace,  Rev. Gail

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