Whispers of Autumn
Embracing the Gentle Beauty and Quiet Moments of the Season
As autumn gently approaches, conversations with friends naturally shift toward our hopes and dreams for the season. For most of us, it's a time of deliberate stillness, when we fondly reminisce about the warmer months while eagerly anticipating cooler days, the rustling of dried leaves, and the comforting embrace of soft cashmere sweaters. However, we're also mindful that autumn brings lower energy levels, increased feelings of isolation, and a deeper need for emotional connections.
For me, autumn has always held a complex and alluring charm. As a natural introvert, my daily routine tends to remain consistent. I find solace in the soothing melodies of jazz and bossa nova, while the scents of cinnamon apple or burnt amber fill the air. I immerse myself in re-reading essays by James Baldwin and indulging in documentaries about Toni Morrison.
Some autumns, I follow this routine while feeling like I'm barely holding on, especially as the days grow shorter. By 3 o'clock, fatigue sets in, even on a day filled with peaceful moments and a light workload. Productivity and inspiration become elusive. But then there are autumns when this routine, which engages all my senses, makes time flow effortlessly. It feels like a calming, tranquil experience. The scents transport me to my favorite cafes, the music evokes cherished memories, and the books and documentaries leave a lasting imprint of beloved characters, now intertwined with my own identity.
It's interesting to note that much of this routine was born during a period of isolation I experienced, one I vowed never to repeat. It was around 2015, during my final year of high school, a bittersweet time when conversations turned into tearful goodbyes as friends left for university or year-long travels. We all knew our relationships would change, so I turned to social media to try to hold onto the connections I cherished.
For me, joining social media was primarily a means of staying connected. I hoped it would help me feel closer to my dearest friends. However, I soon realized that their online lives appeared quite different from what I knew about them, making our relationships feel more complicated.
I found myself questioning whether the personas they presented online truly reflected their authentic selves. This lack of understanding fueled self-doubt, especially when I saw their lives filled with vibrancy and excitement, while mine seemed ordinary, spent in quiet cafes and libraries.
“In a world where being genuine is prized, many of us find ourselves overthinking, uncertain about what authenticity truly means for each of us.”
These feelings occasionally resurface, especially during moments of increased activity on social platforms. It's an ironic struggle, considering that our current era emphasizes authenticity. In a world where being genuine is prized, many of us find ourselves overthinking, uncertain about what authenticity truly means for each of us. We've been conditioned to believe that even our version of authenticity must undergo meticulous planning, conceptualization, and adherence to specific aesthetic standards.
Thankfully, I've been mindful of my social media usage since high school, and there was even a three-year break at one point, which has enabled me to connect with people who appreciate life's simple pleasures, just like I do. Whether it's finding solace in museums and galleries or embracing the traits and passions of beloved book and movie characters, both online and offline, I've cultivated a sense of belonging.
This year, I believe it will be an autumn of the latter kind, primarily due to the community I've built around me. I've come to realize that it's during periods of isolation that you discover your true community. Not everyone who claims to be there for you actually is, and this realization can be profoundly beautiful. Some individuals step forward, often unexpectedly, to fill the void of loneliness. At present, this support manifests as more frequent check-ins, deliberate get-togethers, and shared experiences, which leads me to the core of today's discussion.
“…It warms my heart to have people who not only share my interests but also wish to share their experiences with me.”
Throughout the year, literature has been a big influence. My deep connection to language naturally draws me to stories with simple plots and intricate characters. These characters are so finely detailed that I often see traces of them within myself.
Some quotes from these works have become daily mantras, and many of my interests have been influenced by these characters. Even the music I listen to is inspired by the soundtracks of TV shows and movies based on these narratives.
I had quietly entertained the idea of launching a book club for Armonía when two of my friends coincidentally suggested the same concept. While it may not be directly affiliated with Armonía's book club, it warms my heart to have people who not only share my interests but also wish to share their experiences with me.
In this section of Armonía, I’ll talk about these stories, I’ll share how they intertwine with my life, and the subtle ways they shape my thoughts. It's more than just reading; it's a dialogue between the written word and my being. If you’re interested, feel free to follow subtle ways literature weaves itself into our lives, guiding our thoughts, and shaping our understanding of the world.
Excerpt of book club description, full thing here.
It's not just about reading the same words on a page; it's about interpreting them, sharing how they resonate with our lives, and embracing diverse perspectives. My aim is to extend this sense of belonging to you so beginning on Friday, September 22, I'll share cherished moments from recent reads, engage in discussions about their impact on my thoughts, and provide quotes that have become daily affirmations for me.
If you're interested in joining the book club, all it takes is a simple click of the subscription button and ensuring that notifications are enabled.
Can’t wait to see you there!
Best,
S