November invites you into its soft embrace
November, our favourite national month of insect flu, is here. It wraps the earth and us in its dark embrace. The days grow shorter until the winter solstice, and night expands its domain. Do we fight the marra, pretending with electric lights as our weapon that it has no power over us, or do we this time explore with cautious curiosity what it has to offer that the other months lack?
According to Wikipedia, marras (marta) is an old Finnish word that refers to death, transience and lifelessness. In folklore, it has meant a dying person or deceased person, or omens of death. The word may be a loan from the Indo-European root *mr̥tás, which has the root *mer- meaning death. The Latin words mori (to die), mors (death) and mortalis (mortal) have evolved from the same root, from which are derived the English mortal, the French mort, mortel, mourir and the Spanish mortal, morir and muerte. Thus, 'November' can be translated as 'dead month'. Nature becomes quiet and goes into hibernation, light decreases, temperatures fall and vegetation 'dies' as winter approaches.
We often talk excitedly about the awakening of nature in spring, but November also has its own message. It is a call to slow down, rest and find the light within. November teaches us to respect the cycle of nature, its need to retreat, renew and prepare for new growth. November reminds us that human beings also need time to renew, to recover and to stop for what is essential. This time of year offers us the opportunity to face ourselves more deeply than usual and to accept, see and hear those dimensions of ourselves that are often overshadowed by daylight and haste.
At the same time, it is particularly important to take care of your own well-being, adequate light and sleep rhythm. Natural light has a strong influence on our biological rhythms, mood and general well-being through our brains. A lack of it can in turn have many negative effects, such as disrupted sleep patterns, lack of energy, low mood and increased risk of coma. It is therefore particularly important to make an effort to be exposed to natural light every day, including in November.
TAKE OUT THIS EXPLANATION FOR A DARK SEASON (but don't run!)
Take care of your regular lifestyle. Eat a varied diet, with plenty of vegetables, berries and fruit. Take a vitamin D supplement from a jar, as your skin cannot produce it without sunlight. Other supplements may also be in order (iron, omega 3, B12, folate).
Don't freeze inside. Agree with yourself (and even a colleague) to take a short walk at a light time each day. Light, exercise, looking at nature and fresh air are invigorating. At the weekend, you can take a longer walk in the woods or by the water. Do you notice a difference in your feeling after a week's trial?
Get enough sleep and respect any increase in your sleep needs. Take it easy in the evening. Avoid using your phone, bright lights and loud noises, alcohol, caffeine and heavy exercise too close to bedtime.
Particularly if symptoms of coma are threatening, doctors recommend using a bright light bulb that mimics natural light, especially in the morning. A dawn light can also help you wake up gently and wake your brain up for the day. Seek medical evaluation if necessary.
Do some more strenuous exercise every week that you enjoy, it will give you energy (but not by force if you're already exhausted). An exercise date with a friend will double your mood. If the weather is bad, remember swimming pools, gyms and other indoor exercise facilities.
Get involved in culture: libraries, museums, churches, exhibitions, theatres, concerts and other fun activities, some of which are free on free days.
Spend time with your loved ones, supporting each other. Play social games, cook, sing, plan for the future, invite guests over, watch films, listen to audio books. Hug and cuddle a lot!
Treat yourself and lower your standards. Go for a feel-good treatment like a massage, or give each other a massage at home or with friends.
Embrace the darkness. Darkness is not just a lack of light, but a permission to calm down. Allow yourself to feel the peace and stillness of darkness. Enjoy candlelight, wool socks, a blanket and a cup of warm drink, hang seasonal lights, take a sauna, a bath, use fragrant essential room scents that lift your mood (e.g. pine, cypress, lemon), listen to your favourite music, tend to your houseplants or pet your pet - create your own calming ritual. Good old-fashioned hyggeily.
Darkness can also be a source of creativity. Express your feelings by writing, drawing, painting, playing music, making crafts...
Find solace in nature. Although nature may seem dormant, it is never completely lifeless. Even in the darkest season, take a weekly walk in the woods, breathe in the fresh air and pay attention to even the smallest movement around you. Even if there is little light, it is still present. A low-hanging sun can be a beautiful and deeply comforting sight. There's plenty of green in the forest in November too!
Under cover of darkness and in clear weather, watch the night lights, moon, stars and northern lights. Download the Aurora Borealis alarm app on your phone, they can also be seen in southern Finland.
Take a cue from animals. Many animals prepare for winter by gathering food, slowing down their movements, retreating to shelter or hibernating or hibernating. You too are allowed to gather strength.
November can also be an exciting month for hiking. Take a headlamp or lantern walk with your family or friends, for example to a fireplace where you can eat a snack and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature (remember safety and hiking etiquette, warm clothing, sturdy footwear, a hiking map app and a spare torch!) Luontoon.fi, retkikartta.fi and uuvi.fi are good planning tools.
Contact a friend or relative who needs help. Have a coffee, or better still, arrange to meet up for a nature walk.
Karsi, say "not now", remember JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).
The darkness of November is like a soft blanket, inviting you to wrap yourself up and give yourself permission to be still for a moment. Now is not the time to over-perform. I invite you to listen to the quiet wisdom of November and find its calming rhythm as you can in your own daily life. In Martha lies opportunity.
A GUIDED FOREST BATH IN NOVEMBER OR FOR CHRISTMAS?
A forest bath is also a great shared experience in the darker seasons, for example as a day of recreation or a special Christmas programme. A quiet forest, headlamps or lanterns, campfire torches to sharpen your senses. Invite to count the rounds and make friends with the dark. Ask for a quote for your group and we'll plan together!
