By: Dr. Phyllis Bivins-Hudson
October is a season of transition. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, nature shows us the beauty of change through golden leaves drifting to the ground, and the upcoming holidays are looming around in our heads.
It’s also the month that nudges us toward reflection—reminding us to slow down before the rush of the holidays.
One powerful way to embrace this season is by creating an October Ritual—not a ceremonial ritual, but a ritual as a series of actions or a type of behavior regularly and invariably followed by someone.
So, for us, let’s view it as a simple, intentional practice that brings meaning, balance, and grounding to our everyday life.
Rituals don’t need to be elaborate; in fact, the most powerful ones are often small and consistent.
For example, grooming, making and consuming meals, engaging in personal hygiene, and preparing for bed, while others are more mindful practices like drinking water upon waking, practicing gratitude, taking short walks, or meditating.
These habits can provide structure, comfort, and meaning, helping to ground us, foster well-being, and provide a sense of continuity throughout our days.
That said, let’s look at five meaningful October Rituals you can try for yourself.
1. Take a Gratitude Walk: Once a week, step outside for a short walk. As you go, notice the details of the season—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the colors shifting in the trees, the cool bite of the air. Collect a leaf or stone that stands out to you, and as you hold it, reflect on one thing you’re grateful for. Keep your weekly collection in a bowl or jar. By the end of the month, you’ll have a beautiful display of October’s quiet blessings.
2. Light a Candle & Reflect: As the days grow shorter, let the evening be your cue for a small ritual of reflection. Light a candle at sunset, and spend ten minutes journaling. Write down what you’d like to release—old fears, lingering stress, or habits or rituals that no longer serve you. Picture those worries falling away like autumn leaves drifting from a tree. This simple practice can help you enter November with a clearer, lighter spirit and a deliberate shift in your thinking.
3. Set a Pumpkin Intention: This October, give your pumpkin a new purpose. Instead of carving a traditional jack-o’-lantern, decorate it with a word that represents your focus for the month: peace, balance, joy, or rest. Place your pumpkin somewhere you’ll see it daily—as a visual reminder of your intention. Each time you pass it, take a breath and realign with that focus.
4. Host a Seasonal Gathering: Rituals don’t always need to be solitary. Invite a few friends or family members to share a simple autumn meal. Ask everyone to bring not only a dish but also a “harvest” from their life—something they’ve learned, achieved, or cherished this year. Sharing these reflections around the table creates a sense of connection and gratitude, grounding everyone in the richness of the season.
5. Create a Daily Pause: Even the busiest October day can hold a ritual if you keep it simple. Choose one short practice that grounds you:
a. Brew a cup of tea and drink it without distractions.
b. Step outside for five minutes of fresh air.
c. Listen to a seasonal playlist while you journal or simply sit in stillness.
The key is consistency. A daily pause—even just a few minutes—can shift the entire tone of your day.
October is nature’s reminder that change can be beautiful and necessary. By creating a meaningful ritual, you give yourself space to honor this season while finding balance in your own life.
Whether it’s a gratitude walk, a candlelit reflection, or a simple daily pause, choose one ritual and practice it with intention. 
By the time November arrives, you’ll not only have welcomed autumn—you’ll have welcomed a deeper sense of grounding and meaning.
But until November, keep Flying on Your Own Wings.