Happy Autumnal Equinox

In the Northern Hemisphere, today is the Autumnal Equinox.

Like the Spring Equinox in March, this is a day when the

number of daylight hours and nighttime hours is approximately

the same.



The energy of the sun is shifting. The days are getting

noticeably shorter. The Great Round of the year is turning

toward darkness. We bring harmony and balance into our lives

when we remember to notice how the natural rhythms of the

seasons affect our lives. Living with the seasons--being active in

the summer and getting more rest in the winter--supports our

mind, body and spirit health and well-being.



I do love this time of year. I feel the ending of the vibrant

summer energy and the beginning of a new cycle marked by

turning inward. This is the time of year for celebrating and

appreciating inner and outer abundance; for the intentions we

set at the New Year, for the seeds we planted in the spring that

we tended to in the summer and are now bearing fruit.  And, for

the growth that we've experienced throughout the year.



Our gardens are lush plants and overflowing with the fruits of

our labor. Despite an early September snow storm, they are still

alive with bees and butterflies, and if the summer-like weather

holds, we'll have flowers and veggies to harvest for a while.

Even so, it's the time of year when the veggies and flowers

growing in the garden are slowing down. Even the grasshoppers

are disappearing. This year has been an unusual growing

season--that brought long stretches of unseasonably hot

weather and the early snow storm that slowed everything down. 

Fortunately, we're still having summer-like weather even though

the seasonal calendar says it's the beginning of fall. I feel

blessed by Earth's abundance--and love sharing the bounty

from our garden.

The first day of autumn is a day of balance between yin-yang,

which are connected with the annual cycle of the earth's trip

around the sun and the four seasons.   With the Autumnal

Equinox, it’s not only the weather that’s changing… But also,

our own lives, activities, and plans. We’ll likely now spend more

time indoors with family and friends, and with ourselves. As the

weather gets colder, we’re encouraged to turn inward. This is

where we can face our hidden doubts and fears … And through

reflection, and healing we can embrace and cultivate our

highest authenticity, aspirations, and dreams. Just what your

spirit yearns for.  How does the Autumnal Equinox affect you?

How does it support you in fulfilling your purpose?

 

Today, my blog offers you insights and resources to help you

connect with the nurturing energy of yin-yang balance and to

help you celebrate the Autumnal Equinox!



In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describes how opposite or

contrary forces, i.e., light and dark, masculine and feminine are

actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in

the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they

interrelate to one another.



In a nutshell: Yin-yang is an ancient Chinese idea that

symbolizes  the two sides of things that complement each other.

Thousands of years ago, the Chinese words yin and yang

referred to the shady and sunny sides of a hill or valley. The

symbol for yin-yang comes from the yearly pattern of shadows

cast by a long pole stuck straight up in the ground.



Yang begins at the winter solstice, the beginning of seasonal

cycle when daylight dominates over darkness and is associated

with the sun at the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. Spring

is all about new beginnings, planting seeds, and hope. Summer

is an intense season with its outward-focused energy that is

usually a super active time. And whether you realize it or not,

you've been doing a lot of hard, inner work since you envisioned

your goals at the New Year, planted your intentions in the

spring, and cultivated your dreams all season long. You're

stretching & growing in ways you may not see yet.



Yin begins at the summer solstice and represents the

dominance of darkness over daylight and is associated with the

moon.  The Autumn Equinox begins to balance this energy and

brings a sense of equilibrium to the parts of our lives that really

need it this month and at this time. The Great Mandala is turning

toward the darker, more inward-focused time of the year. You

may find yourself thinking of the higher meaning of your life, of

what's happening in the world and what matters to you as you

seek to uncover the higher purpose behind everything.  Don't be

afraid to explore these thoughts. They are essential to your

growth and helpful for you to look at from a higher perspective.



Just like the Yin-yang symbol, in the cycle of life, all is perfect,

whole, and complete. In everything there is a time of beginning,

a time of growth, a time of being, a time of withering or wearing

out, and a time of leaving. These are all part of the perfection of

life. We sense it as normal and natural, and though saddened at

times, we accept the cycle and its rhythms. Life is ever

changing.  Life is never stuck or static or stale (even if we

sometimes feel that it is); each moment is ever new and fresh.

Every ending is a new point of beginning.



And of course, it's a great reminder that it doesn't matter what

the season is, you can being again anytime you like. All it takes

is a change of heart and mind, a recognition that a belief you're

holding isn't helpful, a desire to change it. You are the master of

your destiny and you create the reality you wish to have.



During this time of uncertainty about the future, I'm so grateful

that I have the belief that change is possible. Because when I

believe that, it becomes my truth.



Humanity is facing extraordinary challenges to our health and

well-being.



And, if you're like many people—me included, you may feel at

least a little uncertain as to how all this is going to pan out. Like

many of you, I'm holding an intention that humanity will not only

return to balance - but will bounce back with new perspectives,

leaving us even stronger than before.



But in the meantime, what can you do to stay calm, relaxed, and

at peace no matter what's going on around you? Embedded

within this global crisis is an opportunity to reflect and reconnect

with the essence of ourselves.



Ancient wisdom, traditions, and rituals give us many pathways

to this outcome. By incorporating tools and practices like

meditation, breath work, Emotional Freedom Techniques

(EFT Tapping), and Co-Creative Mandalas, we can get through

this storm - and even emerge with new levels of growth and

self-awareness. What are practices that you have in place now?

Are you getting enough rest? Are you taking care of yourself

with good, nutritious food and exercise? How are you

minimizing stress in your life?



To stay on track with our goals in this ever-changing

environment, we’ve all had to adjust our routines and learn to

adapt. And, if we’re going to finish this year as strong as

possible, we’ll all need to practice self-care more than we’ve

ever had to before.

In the meantime, what can you do to stay calm, relaxed, and at

peace no matter what's going on around you? Embedded within

this global crisis are many opportunities to reflect and reconnect

with the essence of ourselves.



When we're stressed, anxious, or "out of kilter"--it's nearly

impossible to find our center. Bringing mindful, non-judgmental

attention to the present moment is shown to change the quality

of your experience. Every day is filled with opportunities to bring

your attention to the present moment. You can practice

mindfulness at any moment.



We could all use a little help focusing on the present instead of

worrying about what the future holds. Here are four suggestions

for getting you started:


1. Mindful Waking

Setting an intention to bring mindfulness into the very first

moments of your day is a lovely, gentle way to set the tone for

the hours to come—rather than slamming your hand on the

alarm clock and bolting out of bed in the morning.


Pay attention to: Your mind and your body. Do you feel alert or

tired? Are your muscles tight? Slowly stretch your limbs and

your back, noticing the sensation of each movement. Try to

notice what thought crosses your mind the second you open

your eyes - or even just before.



2. Mini Meditation: Mindfulness in a Minute

When you feel pressed for time, simply do a quick check-in and

remember your breathing.


Pat attention to: Are you breathing deeply or are your breaths

shallow? Are you holding tension in your face, neck, shoulders

or belly? Give yourself 10 to 16 seconds to breathe deeply and

rotate your shoulders back, thinking about the present moment.

It’s like a small reset button that’ll help you stay focused and

centered.
 
 
 
3. Mindful Cleaning

Whether it’s doing the dishes, sweeping the floor or folding the

laundry, chores present an ideal opportunity to bring

mindfulness into day-to day life.


Pay attention to: Whatever your hands are doing. If you’re

washing dishes, notice the temperature of the water, the texture

of the plates, the motion of scrubbing. If you’re folding laundry,

feel the different fabrics. While sweeping, notice the movement

of your arms, the stretch and extension, and perhaps even an

aching as time goes by.


4. Mindful Waiting

Bringing mindfulness into your waiting time can turn that sigh

when you first spot the long line at the bank into a genuine

smile. It’s also an opportunity to notice your mind as well as

your body, as emotional reactions tend to arise fast and strong

when we’re forced to wait.


Pay attention to: The whole experience. Notice how you feel

when you realize you’ll have to wait - does your heart beat

faster? Do you feel annoyed? Angry? Perhaps your fists even

clench instinctively. Does your breathing change? Once you’re

sitting or standing in the line or at the bus stop, pull your

attention away from the mental and emotional part of your

experience, and be mindful of your body. Feel your feet on the

ground, your inhalations and exhalations. Notice each and every

tiny movement.


(Excerpted from an article that appeared on Goodnet: "7-easy-

ways-to-be-mindful-in-your-everyday-life-list")


I encourage you all to carve out some time around the Equinox

to pause & reflect during this powerful seasonal time. This is a

beautiful time to check in with yourself – to look at what's

happening in your life, honor where you're stuck or afraid, and

discover how you've changed and grown during the past nine

months.


This Co-Creative Mandala, "Inner Knowing", from a photo of

rose hips reminds us of the importance of being in tune with our

"still small voice".  We are shifting out of a season where so

much of our energy is focused on our outer lives, into a season

of introspection. This is a time for exploring our inner lives,

diving into our shadows, and exploring our dark spots. In this

season we are remembering  how to appreciate the darkness.

It's a season of deep inner growth if you are brave enough to

explore your own shadows & darkness, if you're ready to let the

old,outgrown parts of yourself die.

The difference between misery and happiness

depends on what we do

with our attention.
                                                      

                                                                       Sharon Salzberg

Inner Knowing Exercise


In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate

"Inner Knowing" and feel supported by your inner and outer

resources.  Honor this powerful time of the Autumnal Equinox

and tap into the blessings and opportunities it presents us now.

Celebrate your authenticity, reconnect with your inner light, and

cultivate a powerful sense of balance and presence during the

Autumn Equinox with this simple ritual!



Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive deeply

into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless your

sacred space.



Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.



Don’t rush.


As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes

"Inner Knowing". What does "Inner Knowing" mean to

you?


Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be

with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take

another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as

you exhale—without judgement.  Feel the body breathing. Bring

your body into stillness.


Open your eyes and bring your attention to the mandala; allow

the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with whatever is there.

Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Inner Knowing”

energy to flow to and through your body.  Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra and extending far into the

heavens

.
Imagine the “Inner Knowing” energy flowing through you

and down deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your

heart and extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine

the “Inner Knowing” energy is a radiant ball that encircles

you.


Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.

What about the mandala captures your attention?

Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

I wonder what it wants me to know?


Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be

present, listen:


Write out the following questions and answers in your journal.

• What were the intentions you set this past spring?
• What did you do to cultivate them?
• How are those intentions manifesting now?

• What challenges appeared for you in this last cycle?
• How did you navigate through them?
• What could you have done differently?
• What can you change now to stay in greater love, peace, and balance?

While writing out the answers to the above questions… Pay

attention to how you feel. If strong emotions like fear, grief,  or

sadness arise… Love what appears! Meet your feelings with

honesty, love, and compassion. And then be willing to forgive,

release, and let go.


I hope this shift in seasonal energy feels balancing and

comforting to you. I hope the changing season feels nurturing--

and the idea of wearing scarves and hats sounds cozy. Sending

you love, blessings, and light for the weeks and months to

come. May this be a season of enlightening inner exploration for

you.



Blessings of love, peace, and light,