Hello Reader!

Back-to-school vibes have me finding a new rhythm, and after summer I’m feeling ready for a bit more structure.

For me, that looks like laying out my gym clothes the night before and making it to Planet Fitness before my day gets going. September, I’m focusing on physical strength and resilience.

Past experience tells me I know this works for me as long as I’m consistent. Not perfect. CONSISTENT.

In addition to focusing on getting stronger, I’m also challenging myself to see how much 'recovery time' I can rack up.

So that’s where regular time slowing down in nature comes in, along with experimenting with other ways to lower my stress and give my nervous system a little more room to recover.

Things like breathwork, which I always plan to do but somehow back-burner because it feels like a lot of work 😮‍💨. Not saying that’s true, but we all have our blocks. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Coloring with simple colored pencils and a coloring book my Mom got me when I had ankle surgery last year.

Slow evening walks around the neighborhood to help signal to my brain that the workday is over.

Reducing my social media and screen time.

And a hot shower by candlelight before bed, which a coaching client introduced me to and I have to endorse 100%.

The question I’ve been using to qualify things lately is:

Does this stress me or strengthen me?

And I don’t mean only physically. Resilience is a muscle too. 💪

So strength and resilience are where my sights are set for September.

I always love a good challenge, and I’m very motivated by a good “don’t break the chain” mentality, so that’s keeping me on track for now.

Nine days in. 👍

So how about you?

How are you wanting to feel by September’s end?

Present? Focused? Relaxed? Stronger? More rested?

Me too.

🌿 This week's invitation

See if you can choose one small thing you want to return to consistently for the rest of September and let nature help you anchor it.

Maybe that looks like:

• stepping outside for five minutes with your morning coffee
• taking an evening walk a few nights a week
• sitting in the same outdoor spot and noticing what changes
• leaving your phone inside while you spend a little time in the yard
• taking one meal or one break outside
• choosing one day a week for a longer stretch of screen-free time in nature

It doesn’t have to be impressive. The point is simply to create a touch point you can come back to again and again.

See what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect conditions and just keep returning.

More nature, less screen time this September? 🌿

If that’s part of what you’re leaning into this month, you can still join me for September Sundays in Nature.

Last week’s session at Emmenegger Nature Park was so restorative, and over the next few Sundays we’ll be meeting at Blackburn Park, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and Cliff Cave Park.

You can still grab a 2-session pass for $65, or by request, I’ve also opened up a single-session drop-in ticket for $38 if you only have time for one Sunday - just reply to this email if you'd like the link to join a single session.

🕯️ Step into Autumn: Evening Forest Bathing + Equinox Celebration

I’ve also got an Autumn Equinox Forest Bathing + Seasonal Transition Ritual planned for the evening of the Equinox.

We’ll spend the evening in Forest Park slowing down together, noticing the shift into autumn, reflecting on what we’re carrying forward from summer, and marking the transition into the new season with Forest Bathing, ritual, tea, and community.

​See All Autumn Events →​

However September looks for you, maybe keep asking: Does this stress me or strengthen me?

Not as another rule to follow, just as a little way to notice what’s helping you build the kind of month you actually want to be living.

In Peace and Presence,
Jess 💪

Jess Thenhaus 🌿 Nature Based Wellness Coach | NBHWC, CHHC Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide | ANFT 🫶Helping you cultivate presence, margin & intentionality in your life. CONNECT WITH JESS → Forwarded this email? Subscribe Here for more

🍂 Autumn Rhythm Reset Women's Circle is opening for enrollment soon! Join the waitlist to get access to early bird pricing discounts and bonuses! After the spring women's circle filled so quickly, I knew I wanted to create a fall version with more time for people to plan. This 5-week women’s series will open and close with full moon bonfire circles, and include three weeks of Sunday autumn forest bathing in local St. Louis green spaces in between. A small-group seasonal reset for women who are craving more presence, connection, and rhythm as we move into fall. ​ 👉 Join the waitlist here. This will be a very small group and I expect it to fill quickly.

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