Photo by Felise Jones
From our development team at YMCA of Southwestern Ontario!
START A DAILY PRACTICE
Felise, Database Administrator
Have you ever considered exploring meditation? This is something I practice every day, and it’s so helpful for managing stress. I use the Balance app, which provides guided mindfulness exercises and reflections to help get you started.
Gratitude is also part of my day. For me, there's no better gratitude practice than spending time outdoors, where nature's beauty can fill you with a profound sense of appreciation and peace. Especially at sunrise!
In Scandinavia, we have a saying, friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv). This expression translates as "open-air living" and is used to describe the value of spending time outside for spiritual and physical well-being.
LINK: https://balanceapp.com/
TRAVEL NEAR
Kaitlin, Manager, Annual Fundraising
Camping has always been a significant part of my life, from my days as a Girl Guide to cherished family time. Now, with a young family of my own, we embrace new adventures each month (especially in the fall – our favourite season).
Did you know that Ontario Parks has a park crest collection? Since our wedding back in 2021, my family has embarked on a journey to visit all the parks and collect the crests in our Ontario Parks passport. We’ve collected 21 of 140 crests so far, with our most recent at Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend!
LINK: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/en
TRAVEL FAR
Angela, Manager, Grants and Communications
I had the chance to visit Newfoundland this summer – and was blown away by the ruggedly beautiful environment and warm and lively people. Once you experience the landscape, you get why Newfoundland is known as The Rock!
St. John’s is a city of colourful homes, hills and whimsical street names, with a fun and walkable downtown and great hiking. Cape Spear and Signal Hill are two national historic sites worth visiting – for history, hiking and incredible views of the Atlantic!
LINK: https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/
GET CRAFTY
Stephanie, Events Coordinator
My favourite parts of fall are the vibrant colours and delightful aromas. I like to take advantage of both through craft projects like these ones!
Fall Harvest Wreath: Create a wreath with colourful leaves, acorns, dried flowers, pinecones, and other foliage collected from your garden. Use cardboard, arrange the materials, and glue on your natural decorations.
Fall Scented Sachets: Fill small fabric pouches with dried autumn leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other spices. These sachets can be used as natural air fresheners or placed in drawers.
Pinecone Bird Feeders: Tie a string around a pinecone, then cover it in peanut butter and roll it in birdseed. Hang the pinecone in a spot where you can relax and watch some birdies go by. Try offering crunchy peanut butter for an extra-nutty treat!
Autumn Lanterns: Use empty glass jars, such as mason jars, and decorate them with acrylic or glass paint. Collect leaves, twine, or dried flowers, and glue them onto the glass surface. Once dry, use the jars as lanterns by placing tealight candles inside. They create a cozy atmosphere for autumn evenings.