There’s something about autumn that makes me want to slow down, take a deep breath, and just… reflect. The air feels crisper, the days shorter, and nature itself seems to be whispering, “It’s time to gather what’s grown and take stock before the quiet of winter.” That’s what this season is really about, isn’t it? Harvesting. But it’s not just about crops or gardens—it’s about us, too. Let’s talk about the wisdom of the harvest.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what my own “harvest” looks like. What have I been nurturing over the past few months? What’s grown, what’s blossomed, and what hasn’t? If I’m being honest, my personal harvest isn’t all shiny trophies and picture-perfect moments. Some things didn’t work out. Other things? They grew in ways I didn’t expect. But that’s the thing about reflection—it’s not about judging what you’ve done. It’s about noticing, appreciating, and maybe even celebrating the effort it took just to get here.
I want to share a simple practice with you—something that helps me find clarity and gratitude during this time of year. It’s a little reflective exercise, and it’s perfect for those cozy autumn evenings when you want to slow down, light a candle, and just be with yourself for a bit.
What Does It Mean to Harvest in Your Life?
When we talk about “harvesting” in life, it’s not about gathering physical crops (unless you have a garden, and in that case—lucky you!). It’s about pausing to recognize what’s grown from the seeds you’ve planted earlier in the year. Those seeds might have been intentions, goals, relationships, or even small habits you wanted to cultivate. Harvesting is about asking yourself, “What came of my efforts?”
Here’s the thing—we don’t always get exactly what we expect when we plant seeds. Maybe you set out to start a new project, and it didn’t turn out the way you hoped, but along the way, you learned something important. That’s part of your harvest, too. It’s not just about the end results—it’s about what you’ve nurtured along the way, even if the outcome was different than you imagined.
Sometimes, reflecting on your harvest means acknowledging the little things you often overlook. Maybe you’ve been more patient with yourself lately. Maybe you’ve been showing up for someone else, even when it wasn’t easy. Or maybe you just kept going through a tough time. That’s a harvest worth honoring.
A Guided Harvest Reflection Exercise
Let’s try something together. You don’t need anything fancy for this—just a quiet space, a notebook, and maybe a warm cup of tea. Ready?
1. Find a comfortable spot. Sit somewhere cozy where you won’t be disturbed. If it helps, light a candle or put on some soft music.
2. Take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes for a moment and breathe in deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Let your shoulders relax as you exhale.
3. Think back over the past few months. Ask yourself, “What seeds did I plant earlier this year?” These might have been intentions you set, goals you worked on, or relationships you nurtured. Don’t overthink it—just let whatever comes to mind rise up naturally.
4. Write down your harvest. What has grown in your life? What have you nurtured, accomplished, or learned? Try not to judge whether it’s “good enough”—just write. Your harvest might include tangible accomplishments or more subtle inner growth.
5. Express gratitude. Once you’ve listed your harvest, take a moment to feel grateful for each thing, no matter how small. Even if something didn’t turn out the way you hoped, you can still honor the effort you put in.
6. Sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes again and take a few more deep breaths. Let that feeling of gratitude fill your heart. When you’re ready, open your eyes.
Reflection doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Even a few quiet minutes like this can help you feel more grounded and present. And if you’d like more practices like this, you’re always welcome to join us at Awakenings Online, where we offer guided meditations and reflections to support your personal growth.
Why Reflecting on Your Harvest Matters
You might be wondering—why bother with all this reflection? Life keeps moving forward, right? That’s true. But here’s the thing: if we don’t take time to pause and acknowledge what we’ve cultivated, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of always chasing the next thing.
Reflection helps us stay mindful. It’s a way of saying, “I see what I’ve done, and I honor it.” Even when things don’t go perfectly, taking time to reflect reminds us that we’re always growing in some way. And that feeling—of noticing and appreciating your efforts—can shift your whole perspective. It helps you feel more abundant, more connected, and more at peace.
Plus, reflecting on your harvest prepares you for what’s next. Just like farmers prepare their fields after the harvest, you’re creating emotional and mental space for the next chapter of your life. And if you’d like some help with that, our Awakenings Online membership includes seasonal practices to support you through life’s natural cycles.
Simple Daily Practices to Honor Your Harvest
Reflection doesn’t have to be a big production. You can weave small moments of acknowledgment into your daily life. Here are a few simple ideas:
1. Gratitude before bed: Each night, take a moment to reflect on one thing you’re grateful for from your day. It could be something big, or something as simple as enjoying a quiet moment with your pet.
2. Mindful moments: Throughout your day, pause when something feels good—whether it’s the warmth of your tea, a kind word from a friend, or just the sun on your face. Let yourself really feel it.
3. Celebrate small wins: When you complete a task or reach a milestone, no matter how small, take a moment to celebrate. You don’t have to throw a party—just acknowledge it to yourself.
4. Join a supportive community: Reflection is often easier (and more fun) when you’re not doing it alone. That’s why we created Awakenings Online—to offer a space where you can explore practices like these with others who are on the same journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is reflecting on my personal harvest important?
Reflecting helps you pause and acknowledge what you’ve done, which builds a sense of fulfillment and abundance. It keeps you from always chasing the next thing without appreciating what you’ve already cultivated.
2. How often should I do a reflection practice?
There’s no right answer—it depends on what feels right for you. Some people like to do it daily, while others find weekly or monthly reflections more helpful.
3. What if I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished much?
That’s okay. This practice isn’t about measuring yourself against some ideal—it’s about noticing what is there, even if it feels small. Inner growth, showing up for yourself, and getting through hard times are all part of your harvest.
4. Can I do this exercise with others?
Absolutely. Reflection can be a beautiful shared experience. You might try doing it with a friend, partner, or group, and sharing what you’ve written afterward.
5. What does the Awakenings Online membership include?
Membership includes access to guided meditations, journaling prompts, and seasonal practices designed to support your mindfulness and personal growth journey.
Ready to honor your personal harvest and create space for what’s next? Join us at Awakenings Online. Our membership gives you access to exclusive meditations, reflections, and workshops designed to help you feel more grounded, abundant, and connected. Let’s move forward—together.
How’s this? Does it feel human and grounded enough? Happy to make any adjustments!