Night Draws In
As autumn progresses, mornings are often accompanied by dew and fog. At the other end of the day, the evening light disperses earlier, as night draws in. With more daytime darkness, our senses work that bit harder. It’s more difficult to make shapes out in the gloom, and our ears strain to pick out noises. Anything at all. Where we can see less clearly, our ears seek the details which our eyes might miss. Stepping out into the morning chill, we feel fog droplets on our skin. We may pass through gossamer as we move on into the day. The cool strands grasping and lingering as we travel.
So much changes during the season. Vibrant colours come and go, as deciduous trees shed their leaves. Conkers fall from horse chestnuts; the ripest of them springing forth from their spiked shells as they hit the ground. Squirrels are regular garden visitors, nosing nuts and seeds into the soft soil, and patting the earth down again afterwards. Birds cluster around their table each morning, feeding for the day ahead.
While I miss the extra daylight, I love the autumn. It’s a season for creating, for finding inspiration. Writers use key features of autumn to evoke scenes of drama and mystery. The lack of light brings fear of the unknown, yet in the same measure, it brings fascination. Our minds fill the darkness with thoughts. We experience life through heightened senses. The stars are visible that bit earlier in the evening, reminding us of the infinite space which we are a part of.
There’s a connection between fewer daylight hours and being more creative. Science suggests that nocturnal creativity is, in part, down to brain function. The frontal cortex bears the main operating load during the day. It manages cognitive operations such as memory, problem solving, emotional responses, and judgement. Skills we call on frequently, willingly or otherwise.
As day draws to a close, chemicals work to prepare the frontal cortex for a state of rest, allowing other parts of the brain to take over. It’s not so much that the other areas are solely responsible for creating. It’s that with the frontal cortex playing a lesser role in function, our judgement is reduced. Our art is freer to follow unchallenged paths of fancy.
Tiredness can help creativity 
I know that I am more creative at night, if I can overcome the urge to sleep after a day’s parenting. And of course with the autumn, comes the reduction in hours of light. Years of evolution haven’t overcome the natural tendency to follow the rhythm of daylight. So our bodies sense the night drawing in earlier, and consequently prepare our brains to rest.
While the dark may bring certain shadows in its wake, it also brings with it a spark. Draw closer around the campfire, and let us share our stories.
Lovely post. Autumn is my favourite season, but I never knew about the links to creativity. Perhaps subconsciously that’s what makes me so happy at this time of year!
Thank you. I’m not advocating this, but apparently alcohol also encourages the frontal cortex to relax and sit back a bit. Leaving other areas of the brain to take over and operate with more freedom. Which is why some people say that a drink helps them to create. Everything in moderation though!
A doctor (senior consultant) once told me to have a small glass of red wine in the evening as a good way to relax my mind! Unfortunately it doesn’t mix well with my condition though, and I’m rarely able to drink any amount any more.
I find I can be quite creative after a glass of something. But I don’t drink much any longer, especially as a parent. You never know what is going to come up which needs a straight thinking response!
Very good post. Although I do not welcome dark mornings and evenings, there is something special about this time of year
Thank you. There’s certainly something almost magical about the autumn.