As November deepens, the trees around us become bare silhouettes standing against grey skies. At first glance, this shedding might seem like loss, the vibrant canopies of October fading into stark branches. Yet for the tree, this process is not about loss at all. It is a survival strategy. It is renewal. And it is one of nature’s clearest invitations for us to reflect on our own cycles of holding on and letting go.
The Science of Shedding
Deciduous trees release their leaves in late autumn as an act of wisdom. By drawing nutrients back into their roots and sealing off the vessels to each leaf, the tree conserves resources to survive the winter. The fall colors we love are actually the pigments, carotenoids and anthocyanins, revealed as chlorophyll breaks down. Once the leaves detach, the tree enters a state of rest and channels energy into its core.
Humans can learn from this rhythm. Research in psychology suggests that intentional release reduces stress and supports long-term resilience. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that practices of “psychological detachment,” consciously letting go of daily stressors, were linked to improved sleep quality and lower burnout rates. Like trees, we thrive when we know when to pause, reset, and conserve.
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” – Rumi
Why Letting Go is Good for Mental Health
Less Mental Clutter: Cognitive load theory tells us that our brains can only handle so much information at once. By clearing out what no longer serves us, whether physical clutter, outdated commitments, or repetitive thought patterns, we reduce overwhelm.
Emotional Resilience: Studies on neuroplasticity show that reframing our experience of release helps build healthier pathways in the brain. Instead of seeing letting go as failure, we can view it as a practice in adaptability.
Nervous System Regulation: The polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how our nervous system constantly scans for safety. Rituals of release such as deep exhalations, warm baths, or slow journaling signal the body that it is safe to rest.
Just as trees shed to protect themselves, we too can shed in order to strengthen ourselves for what is next.
Rituals Inspired by Trees
If November feels heavy, lean into it as a month of conscious letting go. Here are a few rituals rooted in both science and symbolism:
Clear a Space: Choose one drawer, one shelf, or one closet. Remove what no longer serves you. Notice the lightness in your body and breath as space opens.
Breathing Like Leaves: Try this practice: inhale deeply through your nose, and on the exhale imagine golden leaves falling gently to the ground. Repeat for 5–10 breaths.
Write and Release: Journal with this prompt: “What am I carrying that is no longer nourishing me?” Tear out the page when finished. You can shred it, burn it safely, or simply let it go.
Nourish the Soil: Donate items you no longer need, or pass along a kind word, a smile, or your time. Trees return nutrients to the soil, and we can return energy to our communities.
Reframing November
Instead of seeing November as bleak or barren, we can see it as a sacred pause. A time to trust the cycle, knowing that what is released now becomes the foundation for what will grow later. Just as the tree rests in stillness, we too can prepare for renewal.
When we look at nature not as background but as teacher, we begin to realize that release is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of what comes next.
