Category: Autumnal Equinox

Honoring the Shadow and the Light: Say Hello to Autumn

9/22/2022

Let all the barren and dry things in your life that don't matter fall off in the breeze. Stop clinging to what doesn’t work for you anymore. Let it all go.
John Roedel

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you. We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and
the energy of the current time.

This month's mandala is Luminosity.

Happy Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (and Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). Twice a year when the sun shines directly on the equator there are nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world.

Wherever we are located, Autumn announces itself before it arrives--the daylight hours begin to shorten, the air cools (even when temperatures still feel summer-like), the light angles change. In Colorado where I live, as if on cue, overnight the temperatures dropped nearly 40 degrees and brought welcomed rain to the sun-parched Earth. We notice the changes in our garden, too. After the summer-long burst of growth and production our plants have begun to slow and start forming seeds. The color of leaves are changing from green to orange, gold. and red.

When changes occur in nature, they resonate within our own spirit. Whether you consider yourself a “nature person” or not, you are connected to Earth. And as such, are affected by the forces and energy in nature–just like trees, just like the gardens, just like all the animals.

Autumn is asking for simplicity in life. As the season changes, the inner and outer energy changes. Are you noticing that your spirit wants to release and turn inward? I invite you to allow autumn to work in your favor. I believe that when you say goodbye to the things that limit your potential (like trees letting go of their leaves), you open your life to the limitless possibilities within and around you.

The equinoxes are moments of balance on Earth. The earth is literally balanced on its axis, it's leaning neither toward nor away from the sun. As a result, Earth is flooded with this beautiful energy of balance. Energetically, the autumn equinox is a time of balance and pause, a transitional moment between the bright half of the year and the dark half of the year. This time also brings with it a sense of equilibrium to those parts of your life that need it.

We're at the halfway point on the path of darkening days. This time is a gateway to what is called the dark half of the year (which is the time between the fall and spring equinoxes). The word "equinox" invokes balance and implies an balancing of the forces of life. Can you feel the call back into the dark? Right now, it's faint, but it is happening. For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, we're being called back into a slowing down time, to inner reflection. It’s like the slow fade at the end of an old movie.

We're shifting out of a season where so much of our energy has been focused on the outer, Yang-energy in our lives, into a season of introspective Yin-energy. Fall equinox is the beginning of exploring our inner lives; diving into our shadows, exploring our dark spots, letting go of what no longer serves us. Today we experience what Chinese philosophy calls the "valley between the light side and shadow side of the mountain". In the days ahead, we'll shift more into the dark half of the year; the inward-focused side of the Great Mandala.

From a spiritual, personal growth perspective, autumn is a magical season of transformation, regeneration, and release. Beginning today and throughout the fall, the task is to let go, let autumn's gorgeous change unfold, and rediscover balance. This is a shift between the extroverted spring/summer seasons, which are all about play, pleasure, and connection, and the introverted fall/winter seasons which is a time for rest, solitude, and reflection.

This time of year always brings me back to an inquiry I often entertain about our light and our shadow.

They are two parts of one whole, of Luminosity. They are the Yin and the Yang of our inner life and outer life. You can't have one without the other. Without darkness you would not even know what light was, everything would be white and so you’d see nothing at all. Without darkness there would be no light.

Through experience, I've come to believe that balancing the light and dark aspects of life is vitally important and is the focal point of my spirituality. Daily, I strive to honor the shadow and the light, and incorporate both light and dark into everything I do. I've also come to understand that darkness is not evil. Life cannot exist without both dark and light. Imagine if it was always daytime and never night; what kind of a life would that be?

In my opinion based just on my experience, we must go within the darkness to see the light, the Luminosity, of our true nature to be in alignment. We are the physical body and spirit; right and left hemisphere; the masculine and the feminine; Yin and Yang energy.

We are both. You can not see one if you don't acknowledge the existence of the other. Until you fully accept your dark half, you can not see the light. We are the duality that has come here to experience Unity within by integrating both.

Check out this blog post by author and Yoga instructor Julie Peters who offers a wonderful perspective on The Spiritual Meaning of the Autumn Equinox

Sometimes, this time of year we notice parts of life that feel out of sorts, funky, wonky, or down. The equinox can help bring these things back into alignment. Luckily, the autumn equinox comes with nourishing wave of beautiful, balancing energy.

If you invest some time reflecting on where you need more balance in your life right now, you can draw on the equinox's balancing energy and direct it to those parts of your life that really need it. Take simple steps toward what you want. Don’t push, let the autumn energy speak to you. Listen. Respond. Move forward.

The autumn equinox is one of two days throughout the year when Earth is in perfect balance. That makes it an ideal time to examine balance in our own lives. Below are some powerful questions to ask yourself that help you bring balance into your life. Stay present. Enjoy yourself! Use these questions as journal prompts throughout autumn:

1. Where do things feel out of balance in my life right now? Where do they feel in balance?

2. How can I bring some balance back into this part of my life? What did I do to foster balance in my life?

3. What's one action item I can start today that would help maintain and/or restore balance to my life?

In Autumn we are drawn, in particular, to the balance between life and death. Everything is dying all around us. And that death is necessary, in order for new life to grow in the spring.

That’s true for the trees and the flowers, and its true for the Self as well. In order to experience new growth, we need to let go of our old leaves–old patterns and habits that no longer serve us.

What are you ready to let go of? What do you need to shed in order for new life to grow?

The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Luminosity", is created from a photograph of a dahlia (the solar symbol of the universe). The colors are related to your solar plexus, heart, third eye, throat, and crown chakras. Dahlias also represent release and healing. This mandala invites us to relax and reflect; notice balance and harmony; and remember your brilliant light within.

It's not about binary but awareness of Oneness riddle. Between two extremes I choose the way in the middle.
Ana Claudia Antunes, The Tao Of Physical And Spiritual’

Autumn Luminosity Ritual:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time to self-care, to remembering Luminosity, and awakening to Unity. This practice is a simple method of helping you to honor both the shadow and the light of Luminosity.    This ritual balances the scales and mirrors nature’s own division of light and shadow, which strike a perfect balance at fall and spring equinoxes.

This ritual also includes a ritual found online at Mabon: A Ritual for Autumn Equinox

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this ritual. Do all parts of the ritual or as many as you want. You can start and finish on different days. Remember, as you co-create this ritual, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the ritual: (Please note: These are suggestions for creating sacred space with a Yin/Yang circle. Use whatever stones, flowers, leaves, items that represent autumn, and other light and dark objects you have.)

For creating sacred space, a Yin/Yang circle gather:
• One white or cream candle to represent your light harvest

• A gemstone to represent your light (e.g., selenite, scolecite, clear calcite, quartz, or petalite)

• Palo santo, copal, or white sage for smudging

• One burgundy or black candle to represent your dark harvest

• A gemstone to represent your shadow (e.g., black tourmaline, jet, golden sheen obsidian, or aegirine)

• A perfume or essential oil blend to integrate your light and shadow aspects

There are three parts to this ritual.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Luminosity mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? What expansive and balanced energy do you want more of in your life?   How will honoring Luminosity support manifesting your vision? How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming Luminosity into your life? How will you bring your brilliance, your light into the world?

Part 2: (Complete the ritual found at Mabon: A Fall Equinox Ritual)

Part 3: Preparing to let go and release
In Autumn we are drawn, in particular, to the balance between life and death. Everything is dying all around us. And that death is necessary, in order for new life to grow in the spring.

That’s true for the trees and the flowers, and its true for your Self as well. In order to experience new Soul growth, we need to let go of our old leaves–old patterns and habits that no longer serve us.

Use these prompts to journal about releasing and letting go and looking ahead:
•   What am I ready to let go of?
•   What do I need to shed in order for new life to grow?
•   What is one thing I'm looking forward to the most this   autumn?
•   How can I nurture myself during this transition from the light half of the year to the dark half of the year?
•   How do I want this year to close?
• What are the simple things I want to complete or finalize by year's end?

When your ritual is complete, write a note to yourself and express how proud you are of all the hard work you’ve done this year. Talk to yourself like you would a beloved friend, or your child, and let yourself know how proud you are of all your accomplishments.

I hope this shift in seasonal energy feels balancing, nurturing, and comforting to you.

Remember, as you're going through any transition in your life this autumn, I'm wishing you ease and peace.

Happy Autumnal Equinox

9/22/2020

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,

Blessings of Grief & Gratitude

11/28/2019

Mia culpa! It's been nearly six months since I sent a newsletter.

I've missed connecting with you! This is a good time to let you

know that I appreciate you. I'm grateful for your presence--

whether you're nearby or far away. Since the last newsletter, we

had the good fortune of a experiencing a beautiful summer and

a bountiful harvest that we're still enjoying. We have a lot to be

grateful for.

I've noticed that many blogs, posts, and books are talking about

gratitude – the positive effects it has for our lives. November is

National Gratitude Month and today is Thanksgiving in the US.

There are so many ways to practice gratitude, from journals to

lists. Gratitude is a mindfulness practice that brings your

attention into the present. The here and now is the moment in

which you can fully experience joy, love, compassion, and

peace. I wonder if you consistently express it to yourself or

others? What if it's hard to find the gratitude?

This time of year offers an opportunity to bring the power of

gratitude into your life and awaken to the amazing blessings in

and around you. And, it can be challenging. It's that time of year

again when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. We

are physically shifting more deeply inward: spending more &

more time indoors as the days grow darker & colder. In

Colorado we've had record setting snow fall. We're spending

less time out in nature (we don't ski or participate in other winter

sports). For some of us, this time of year can be very

challenging. The fall months are about darkness, and shadows,

and letting things go. It's a time for transitioning from the

outward-focused season of summer, into the season of drawing

our energies inward, focusing more on our inner-lives. Often

when the shorter days come, we have that time of adjustment,

when we don't feel as bright or as grateful as we'd like to.

Remember, the seasonal energy is supporting you, and

encouraging you, to look inside – at your own inner darkness &

shadows. Because right now, at this dark time of year, you can

see into your shadows – you can see things hidden away there

– in ways that you can't during the brighter times of year.

This is the time to embrace death as a part of the growth

process, because new life can't grow without letting the old

things die. Just recently my sweet partner reminded me of that

when we were clearing out the gardens for the winter months

ahead and I was feeling sad that the gardening season was

over--"it's because of this that we'll see all the beauty and

growth next summer." Death is a crucial component of life, and

of growth, a process that should be honored, rather than feared.

Just like the maple tree releases the

bright and beautiful fall leaves, this is

the time to let go and release our old

"belief leaves" to make room for new

growth and life in the spring.

And with all death, there's a process of

grief & mourning that we go through.

Even when a death is ultimately good for us, even when we're

letting bad habits die or challenging old beliefs ... there's still a

grieving process we need to experience. We held onto these

things for a reason & it's sad (and scary) to let them go.

This is the season to do the work of letting things go from our

lives and grieving the things we're releasing – so we can truly

grow & evolve. Beginning with the Winter Solstice in a few

weeks… we'll plant our hopes & dreams for the coming year in

the new space we've co-created.

This season I’m working on letting go of the old, outdated

stories I tell myself, false limiting-beliefs I’ve lived with for years;

stories that aren’t even true. They're not even mine. Other

people planted them in my mind when I was too young to

challenge them. I'm working hard to identify all the ways I hold

myself back. What are the stories I tell myself that keep me

trapped, keep me playing small in my safe, familiar little bubble?

Those stories, those old beliefs were useful for keeping me

safe. Slowly, over time I'm noticing a shift in my energy from

grieving the loss of those beliefs and outdated stories to

gratitude for the ways those beliefs once served me even if they

no longer serve me now.

This Co-Creative Mandala, "Blessings" offers an invitation to

embrace the process of letting go, of grieving the loss of old,

outdated "friends", and welcoming more life affirming, expansive

beliefs. I'm grateful for this opportunity to begin again and live

my best self, embrace all shadows, remember and appreciate

my goodness and the goodness of all beings.

All that I am,

all that I see,
,
all that I've been and

all that I'll ever be,

is a blessing...

and I'm grateful for it all.

- Nimo Patel & Daniel Nahmod

Blessings Exercise:

Fall has always been considered as a time for introspection and

letting go; of going inward and honoring the shadows; of

embracing the cycle of death. If changes need to be made in

your life, this exercise is going to set that in motion. It’s

designed to help you honor what is and leave behind whatever

doesn’t serve you, grieve the loss, and experience gratitude for

all parts of yourself.

Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the spring season. Come back to this

exercise as often as you like. Make it your own.

Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths.

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Blessings” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Blessings” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.

What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

I wonder what it wants me to know?

Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in your life.

1. What am I being invited to let go of?

2. What has stopped me from releasing this?

3. How is this influencing my life?

4. What is something I can do to begin letting this go?

The cycle of death has begun. This is the season of

death and release. Right now, these energies are combining to

make this a time of grieving and gratitude. In order to make this

change a reality, first appreciate what is. Then cultivate the

power of blessings. Believe that by honoring your grief for all

that you're letting go of you are supporting your growth and

evolution.

You may have difficulty with this process. I know when I first

started intentionally shifting my attention to the cycle of death,

I thought I was focusing on the negative and wasn't being

spiritual.. That seems odd to me now, but I was invested in the

limiting beliefs that come from resisting what is. I think I was

afraid to let go and honor grief as a pathway to gratitude. I invite

you to be gentle with yourself and trust the process. You've

been living with these beliefs for a lifetime; they've protected you

and kept you safe. It's important to acknowledge and honor this.

One energy modality that I've found to be gentle and effective

for working with limiting beliefs is EFT/Tapping. By tapping on

meridian accupoints, EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy

system that you are safe. It's a very effective technique for

clearing our energy system of the disruptions that happened

when the experiences we had created the limiting beliefs.

When we feel safe, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and optimistic lens.

I offer 30-minute complimentary EFT/Tapping Sessions. This is

a perfect way to begin exploring and releasing limiting beliefs as

you move toward a life of Eternal Optimism.

Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,

The Universe Wants You to Grow!

9/22/2018

With each change of season, I use the opportunity to reflect on

how interconnected I am to Nature and to the energy present at

each season. With the beginning of the Autumnal Equinox,

summer is ending. I feel such gratitude for the joy and fun and

all the amazing, abundant experiences I had this summer. Don

and I had massive growth in our gardens, and we’re harvesting

and enjoying an abundance of veggies and gorgeous flowers.

Even though in Colorado where we live, the days still seem

more like summer (in the mid-80s today), I feel the change in

the air. It’s time to move into the next powerful cycle by taking

stock of the blessings summer brought and also by

acknowledging inner changes, growth, and what I need to

release and let go of.

The Autumnal Equinox is the second of two days when the

Earth is in perfect balance—day and night are approximately

equal. In spring the daylight hours start to lengthen, and begins

the cycle when we co-create new life with Nature and begin

bringing our “winter dreams” into reality. It’s the season of new

beginnings. In the fall the days begin to shorten, and we enter

the cycle of releasing and dying. Autumn is the time to reflect

and appreciate the abundant harvest—what we’ve grown in our

gardens (or have enjoyed from others’ gardens) as well as the

ways we’ve grown, evolved, and our triumphs from this year.

Remembering and feeling proud of our accomplishments is an

act of self-care and self-acceptance. This is the time to

remember that you're friggin’ AWESOME!

Whether you can see or

feel the growth right now,

your soul has expanded

and evolved since you set

your intentions at the New

Year, planted seeds at

the Vernal Equinox, and

experienced the intense

growing months since the Summer Solstice. The bountiful

harvest that’s taking place right now will continue to unfold over

the coming months as your focus turns inward.

The Great Mandala, the wheel of the seasons, is turning from

the beauty and abundance of summer toward the darkness of

winter. Remember, in order for new growth to happen in spring,

things die in autumn. This cycle occurs outwardly in nature and

within. This is a powerful time to cultivate deep gratitude as you

turn toward transformation, resting, and dreaming of the seeds

you’ll plant for next year’s harvest. This is the time to cultivate

gratitude to fuel your visions over the coming months.

When you look closely at the energy present at each season

and what’s happening in Nature, you begin to see the same

cycle of birth, growth, and death within. When changes occur in

Nature, you also experience an energetic shift. When you

consciously connect with the Universe you realize how it is

supporting your growth at each step along your pathway to

remembering your Wholeness. This time of Transformation is a

reminder that the Universe wants you to grow, evolve, and

release whatever no longer serves you—to make room for new

visions, ideas, and intentions.

The inner and outer energy is changing, the season is changing

and so are you. Your soul is longing to stretch, grow, and let go

along with the changes all around you. This Co-Creative

Mandala--"Transformation", invites you to express gratitude,

acknowledge your accomplishments, and honor this time of

releasing, shedding the old, dying petals that no longer serve

you.

Release what no longer serves you.

This is the time to turn inward.

Connect with the mystery & magic of autumn.

The Universe supports your Transformation!

Transformation Exercise:

Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Light two candles, one for what you’re releasing and one for the

future. Meditate, journal, create your sacred space throughout

this autumn season. Come back to this exercise over the next

couple of months. Make the exercise your own.

Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Close your eyes. Take

a couple of deep breaths.

Now, open your eyes and take in the energy of the

mandala...focus on each part of the mandala--the center, the

colors, shape, and texture. Allow yourself to feel the vibration of

Transformation.

What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--

Something in me is feeling:

I wonder what it wants me to know?

1. Reflect on the blessings you’ve received this year.

Throughout the ages our ancestors created a yearly ritual that

included pausing and expressing gratitude for the bountiful

abundance all around at this time of year. What blessings did

you experience this summer? What are you grateful for?

2. Reflect on your personal growth and accomplishments.

You’ve invested time and put forth energy to tend and nurture

your visions and your dreams—the intentions you set at the

New Year and the seeds you planted in the spring. What outer

accomplishments are you proud of? What inner growth has

taken place over the past few months? Write a note to yourself

and express how proud you are of your accomplishments! You

ROCK!!!

3. Reflect on this time of balance. Autumn, like spring, is when

the Earth is in balance. What areas of your life are balanced?

What areas of your life do you need to restore balance? What

can you do to bring balance to your life?

4. Reflect on this season of dying and letting go; of shedding the

old to make room for the new. What are you ready to let go of?

What “old petals” do you need to shed in order for your soul to

blossom?

You may have difficulty with the autumn Transformation energy.

I know at times I've experienced challenges due to loss and

grief this time of year. Shifting from the nostalgia that comes

from letting go of the past can be disturbing. With the right tools,

you can hold a friendly and welcoming space for your emotions,

tap into Transformation and begin to say a little "yes" to letting

go.

We look for ways to feel good when we're feeling bad. This is

the body's natural inclination to move toward healing, toward

Wholeness and wellbeing. By tapping on meridian accupoints,

EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy system that

everything is okay. It's a very effective technique for clearing our

energy system of the disruptions that show up as unprocessed

emotions; we feel comforted and soothed as a result of tapping.

When we feel better, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and loving lens.

I would be honored to be your companion, your "spiritual

Sherpa", supporting your journey through the peaks and

valleys that come with releasing and shedding old patterns as

you embrace Transformation.

Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

Honoring the Shadow and the Light: Say Hello to Autumn

Happy Autumnal Equinox

Blessings of Grief & Gratitude

The Universe Wants You to Grow!

Author

Categories

Archives

Connect With Sheryl:

Phone: 970-221-3898