Curated Life – Embracing Embodied Intimacy and Self-Care Through the Autumn Season

Practicing embodied intimacy and gratitude during Canadian autumn celebrations.

​Hello, beautiful souls! 🍁As we find ourselves nestled between Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day here in Canada, with Halloween and Diwali just around the corner, this season feels richer and more alive than ever. With so many holidays and celebrations, there’s a special energy in the air. But I also know this season can feel intense, especially when it comes to balancing festive gatherings, family traditions, and self-care.
Today, I want to share how you can embrace the flow of this season through embodied intimacy and mindfulness, carving out little moments of gratitude and connection along the way. Let’s dive in!

Navigating This Busy Season with Embodied Intimacy
When we talk about embodied intimacy, we’re talking about more than just feeling close to loved ones—it’s about connecting deeply with your own body, mind, and heart. And there’s no better time to practice this than during a busy season when we’re surrounded by traditions and celebrations that ground us.
For me, the simplicity of Thanksgiving this year—roasting hotdogs and marshmallows by the fire—was a beautiful reminder that connection doesn’t have to be elaborate. This season is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and appreciate the little moments, even in the midst of all the celebration.

Tips to Flow Through This Season with Grace and Ease
Here are some ways to stay grounded and embodied as we move through these upcoming celebrations. Remember, the key is balance—finding joy in the traditions while still carving out time for you.

1. Create a Morning or Evening Ritual for Yourself 
With busy days and lots of gatherings, try to create a simple, grounding ritual that you can return to daily. This could be a gratitude journal, a few minutes of deep breathing, or even a quick gratitude body scan where you notice the sensations in your body and give thanks for each part. These rituals don’t have to take long, but they’re a beautiful way to centre yourself amid all the activity.
2. Embrace the Energy of Each Celebration, Mindfully

• For Halloween, play with creativity and imagination! Take in the joy of costumes and playful energy, letting yourself fully enjoy the present moment.
• Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, invites us to celebrate brightness and hope. Light a candle, set an intention for what you want to bring into your life, and let yourself connect with the feelings of joy and possibility.
• Remembrance Day is a time of reflection. Practice embodied gratitude by taking a mindful moment of silence, placing a hand on your heart, and honouring the sacrifices that allow us the freedoms we enjoy.

3. Find the Magic in Simplicity 
With Thanksgiving behind us and more celebrations on the way, it’s easy to feel like you need to go “all out” every time. But as I experienced this Thanksgiving, simplicity can be incredibly meaningful. Consider having a relaxed gathering with friends or family—maybe just some cozy hot chocolate and heartfelt conversation. Remember, it’s the people around us and the traditions we create that bring us joy.
4. Take Mini Breaks to Tune into Your Body
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take a few moments to check in with your body. Try this quick embodied practice:

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
• Bring your attention to your feet on the ground, your shoulders, and then to your heartbeat.
• Breathe in gratitude for yourself and let that feeling travel through your body.

Taking time to listen to your body’s cues can make a huge difference when you’re surrounded by busyness.

Integrating Embodiment with My 88 Days Plan
As you may know, the 88 Days Plan is all about creating long-lasting changes through small, consistent steps. The beauty of this season is that it offers countless little moments to practice gratitude and embodied intimacy. By intentionally spending a few moments each day tuning into your body, you’re setting the stage for deeper, more meaningful connections. 

Imagine spending the next 88 days making time for small, intentional pauses—moments to feel the warmth in a hug, the joy of laughter, or the satisfaction of a simple meal shared. These practices don’t just deepen your gratitude; they create shifts that last well beyond the season.

Carving Out Time for You
As much as I love celebrating with friends and family, I also know the importance of carving out time for myself. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, listening to my favourite song, or just breathing in the peace of a quiet evening, these little breaks are essential.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to cultivate gratitude, connection, and embodied intimacy, my podcast Delightful Daria is here for you. Each episode is a chance to dive a little deeper into these practices and bring more presence into your life. Join me on Instagram @delightfuldaria for more tips, resources, and support.

This season is a beautiful reminder to be present, to cherish the simple things, and to find gratitude in every moment. However you celebrate, make sure you’re also celebrating you.

XoXo, 
Daria 

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