Ione Harrison Art
Have you felt that little internal tug recently, like a child pulling at your coat sleeve, as autumn quietly announces its arrival? Perhaps you’ve noticed a desire to slow down, spend a little more time alone, or an inexplicable urge to clear out clutter, bravely venturing into dark, dusty cupboards and forgotten corners of the house!
As autumn approaches, we welcome the vibrant colours of the leaves, the crispness of the air and the clarity of the changing light. When I lived in the Middle East, autumn was the season I missed most. It was only when I returned home in 2013 that I rediscovered my love for this beautiful, fleeting season, not only for its colour and vibrancy, but also for the sense of introspection it awakens.
Autumn has an inherently introspective quality, drawing us a little more inwards. It is a time of paring back, gathering in and letting go of what is no longer needed. We see this everywhere in nature as the leaves change colour and fall, the light shifts, the air becomes clearer, and the late afternoon clouds seem to draw closer.
But transitions can be uncomfortable. We may not be quite ready to let go of those long summer evenings and the warmth on our skin. We might be reluctant to say goodbye to our summer wardrobes or tuck the camping gear away until next year!
Yet nature doesn't resist these changes. A tree's ability to survive winter and burst into new growth again in spring depends, in part, on its capacity to conserve resources. Leaves are shed, growth slows and energy is directed towards maintaining the tree through the colder months. Perhaps there is something for us to learn here, too.
Just as falling leaves reveal the structure of a tree, autumn can bring to the surface emotions that have been covered over or silenced during the busier, more outward-facing months of summer. It's rather like dust in a shaft of sunlight: once the light falls across it, it's suddenly impossible not to see what is there, including what feels tender or vulnerable within us.
Autumn and Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Metal element and the Lung and Large Intestine systems. The qualities traditionally associated with Metal include refinement, discernment, clarity and the ability to distinguish what is valuable from what we are ready to release.
Autumn is also traditionally associated with grief and melancholy. As nature retreats and returns its energy to the earth, we may find ourselves becoming more reflective and more aware of what, and whom, we have lost.
Rather than pushing difficult feelings away, there is sometimes value in gently turning towards them. It can be a little like opening the door to a room filled with memories, allowing ourselves to step inside, even when what we find there may be painful. By acknowledging what is held within us, rather than continuing to avoid it, we create an opportunity to process, understand and live alongside those absences in a different way.
There is a quiet wisdom in making space for what needs to be felt, allowing ourselves the time and compassion to release what we may have been holding on to. As an acupuncturist and counsellor, I am very aware of how important this process can be for our emotional wellbeing.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate how Autumn, perhaps more than any other season, invites us to pause and turn inwards. As the natural world begins to slow down and the leaves gently fall, it seems to ask us some important questions: What am I holding on to? What might I need to let go of? And what would it feel like to make space for something new?
Supporting the transition into autumn
Our movement practices, breathing and nutrition can help us adapt to the changing rhythms of autumn, supporting a gentle transition from the expansive energy of summer towards a quieter, more inward time of year….
Create space through the breath
Gentle rhythmic movement, such as yoga, walking, swimming, or Qi gong, combined with a focus on the breath can help us soften tension and cultivate a greater sense of spaciousness. As the colder months approach and we spend more time indoors, these practices provide a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our bodies, counteract the tendency for our shoulders to round forwards, and preserve a sense of ease
Autumn invites us to bring greater awareness to the breath and the subtle movements that support it. As we move, we can notice the quality of our breathing, the support of the spine, feet and pelvis, the way our muscles respond to gravity, and the gentle rhythm of the diaphragm.
Rather than trying to change anything, we can simply observe the breath and allow it to become a natural anchor, bringing us back into the present moment.
There can be no expansion without contraction
As nature begins to draw its energy inward, we can explore this same quality in our movement practice.
As you walk or exercise, gently allow your awareness to settle into your centre and lower body, particularly with each exhalation.. Notice the connection between your feet and the ground beneath you, allowing this awareness to cultivate a sense of support and stability so that held tension in the upper body can release a little.
We often associate growth with expansion, yet contraction and retreat are equally important parts of the natural cycle. Trees shed their leaves and conserve their resources before the return of spring. In the same way, we may benefit from periods of rest and reduced activity.
Eat for the season
Our diet can also reflect autumn's grounding and nourishing qualities.
In Chinese Medicine, eating according to the season is one way of supporting our relationship with the changing environment. As the weather cools, we might naturally gravitate towards warm, cooked foods that feel comforting and satisfying.
Think potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, cauliflower, onions and warming spices such as ginger. Soups, stews and roasted vegetables are wonderful ways to bring these ingredients into our everyday meals. Nothing says autumn quite like a tray of earthy beets and roots.
Citrus fruits can also provide a welcome burst of freshness, alongside vitamin C, as we move towards winter.
Rather than following rigid rules, we can use the season as an opportunity to notice what nourishes us, choosing foods that help us feel well cared for as the days grow shorter.
Letting go, making space
Perhaps autumn's invitation is simply to let go a little.
To shed what we no longer need, draw our energy inward and make space for what matters. To allow ourselves to slow down without feeling that we must always be doing more.
And, like the trees around us, to trust that there is wisdom in resting, gathering and becoming a little quieter before the next season of growth arrives.
Gathering on Retreat
There is something special about giving ourselves permission to retreat from the familiar rhythms of everyday life. Stepping away, even for a short while, can offer a different perspective, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and discover what we might need more of, or perhaps less of, in our lives.
This is one of the things I love about the yoga and art retreats I co-host. Our next retreat takes us to India this January, offering time for movement, creativity, connection and rest in a beautiful setting. We have one place remaining on our India watercolour, yoga and Qi gong retreat for anyone who feels drawn to join us.
For acupuncture appointments, please visit the YNH booking page.
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Making Space to Rest
Art, Yoga, Qi Gong and the Andalusian Mountains
The view from Casa Surrender
How often do we tell ourselves we’ll make time for ourselves when life feels a little less busy?
Perhaps when work settles down. When we’re needed less, or there’s less to organise, fewer demands, or a little more space in our lives. But sometimes, that moment never quite arrives.
With just three places remaining on our April 2027 Andalusian retreat, I'd love to invite you to carve out some time for yourself and join us for a week of rest, creativity, and renewal in the mountains of Spain.
Many guests tell us that hesitated before booking. They weren’t sure they were experienced enough, whether they could really justify taking a whole week away, or whether they could give themselves permission to step away from the familiar pace and routine of everyday life. And every single time, they're so glad they came.
The local beach at Nerja
You don't need any experience in painting, yoga or meditation. You simply need to come exactly as you are, and we'll take care of the rest. Together we'll spend a restorative week painting, practising gentle yoga and Qi Gong, sharing delicious meals, and soaking up the peace, beautiful simplicity, and stillness of the Andalusian mountains.
Each morning Artist, Ione Harrison will guide you through relaxed, expressive watercolour sessions, suitable for all levels of experience. I will lead gentle yoga and Qi gong sessions to help you unwind, stretch and recharge. Everything is completely optional…it’s your retreat and you can take it at a pace that feels nourishing for you.
The retreat is held at the beautiful Casa Surrender in the hills of Andalucia. They’ll be wonderful nourishing food, time by the pool and the sea, quiet corners to sketch, read or simply rest, conversations over long lunches, and space simply to breathe.
Ione creates a welcoming, encouraging and relaxed space where students can relax and reconnect with their creativity. In my yoga classes, I aim to bring that same sense of warmth, calm and gentle encouragement. Together, we've created a retreat that nourishes the mind, body and soul.
Breakfast at Casa Surrender with our host Elsa
One of our previous guests summed it up beautifully:
"We all felt so supported and encouraged, and our confidence and creativity grew throughout the week."
If you'd like to know more about this particular retreat in Spain, or any other Omara Retreats, you can email me at nickyjanethomas123@gmail.com, or visit: https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/watercolour-workshops for more information. I'm always happy to answer any questions.
Ione and I will also be hosting a half day art and yoga retreat in Helmsley on Sunday 25th October (10-1pm). If you’re curious about our retreats, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a taste of what we offer, all within a relaxed half day. https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/watercolour-workshops
Painting by the pool
Savasana (guided meditation) on the outdoor terrace after our morning yoga session
