Written by Abbi Zepeda, CityHeART Art from Ashes Intern
Introduction
We are officially in the throes of the fall season here in Long Beach – the weather has cooled down enough where the sticky, sweaty, all-consuming nature of a California summer is starting to feel like a distant memory and neighborhoods across the city are fully decked-out in cotton batting spider webs and plastic skeletons. This season in particular brings a lot of inspiration for me and in a way the season itself is imbued with creativity and artistry – embodying the change and reinvigoration that comes with creation.
For listeners of CityHeART radio, this topic of discussion might sound familiar, and I wanted to really dive deeper into the reflective musings that take over my consciousness during this time of year. During this season of renewal there are plentiful opportunities for artistic exploration, community connection, and self-care that I believe are essential not only to our continued wellbeing, but also to moving parallel with the natural cycle of the seasons.
Artistic Exploration
Autumn is the season for exploring art – both creating and consuming it! With a season so defined by change, now is the time to check out a genre you have never considered before or give a new art medium or style a try! There is so much potential for growth during this season; it is the perfect opportunity to explore without the pressures of perfection or outside expectations weighing down on you. Art is an essential part of self-expression – opening avenues to make your voice heard or find commonalities with other creatives – and is just one aspect of maintaining well-being as an individual.
For Those Looking to Explore Art Made By Others
- LOCATION: Dark Art Emporium on 1st Street
- LOCATION: Loiter Galleries on The Promenade North
Inspirational Playlist
- Full Moon – The Black Ghosts
- Linger – The Cranberries
- There She Goes – The La’s
- Halloween – Phoebe Bridgers
- Luna – The Smashing Pumpkins
- Autumn Town Leaves – Iron & Wine
Community Connection
As the season continues to shift and change, so too do our connections to the people around us. With the colder months almost upon us – and with the holiday season rapidly approaching – community care and support are vital for our mental wellbeing. With a city as diverse as Long Beach is, there are no shortage of opportunities to come together and connect with the community around us.
Community Spaces
- Viento y Agua Coffee House on 4th Street
- Good Time LB
- Slanguage Studio/Slanguage University (location varies)
- Flux Art Space
Self-Care
And – just like in any other season – I encourage you to prioritize self-care during this autumn season. Change and renewal will undoubtedly bring about complicated feelings, and prioritizing self-care activities is part of respecting both the nature of the season but also honoring your own mental and physical health. Take the time to slow down, sit with your feelings, and actively engage yourself in mindfulness – recognize the beauty of the season and recognize that you reflect that beauty back into the world by being present in it.
Season’s Self Care Activities
- Curl up with a good book
- Enjoy your favorite autumn drink
- Explore a Farmer’s Market
- Take a nature walk
- Start a gratitude journal
- Gather with friends or family
- Focus on warmth
Autumn Affirmations
- Just as nature transitions, I embrace the shifts in my own life with resilience
- The crisp air invigorates my spirit, reminding me of the vitality within me
- I find beauty in the balance between light and darkness, just as day and night coexist
- The changing seasons reflect the phases of my own journey, and I embrace them all
- I am a mirror of the world around me – changing, growing, and embracing every season of life
