I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
L.M. Montgomery
Today, we’ll get to enjoy a werewolf’s delight--a full, Hunter’s
moon that’s also a blue moon (the 2nd full moon of the month).
October 31st (Samhain—Celtic harvest festival) marks the mid-
point of autumn in the northern hemisphere. At the mid-point we
can see and feel the shift in the seasonal energy. At the
Autumnal Equinox the energy was active with the warm,
summer sun. Our inner and outer worlds were mingling and
inviting us to find balance between the two—between Yin and
Yang. Now, the chill in the air tells us it's time to move inside
and prepare for the future.
It's clear that our inner world is inviting us to dive more deeply
inward. Days are shortening as we move into the dark side of
the Great Round. This is a time when we leave the outer world
behind. This is a time for releasing and letting go.We can see
this in nature--the trees are dropping their leaves, flower petals
are fading, birds are making their annual journey south. As the
energy shifts inward, preparing for a new cycle, things need to
die. This is the time to celebrate endings. The natural world is
dying. Things are being cleared away, making room for new life
to take root. Nature is showing us the important role death plays
in the cycle of life.
During this transformational time we pause to acknowledge the
importance of endings, of releasing and honor the critical role
endings play in our personal growth journey. Our body's internal
clock knows deep down that a change of season means a
change in us, too. If we don't acknowledge this, we may feel out
of sync, as though we have lost our natural rhythm.
moon that’s also a blue moon (the 2nd full moon of the month).
October 31st (Samhain—Celtic harvest festival) marks the mid-
point of autumn in the northern hemisphere. At the mid-point we
can see and feel the shift in the seasonal energy. At the
Autumnal Equinox the energy was active with the warm,
summer sun. Our inner and outer worlds were mingling and
inviting us to find balance between the two—between Yin and
Yang. Now, the chill in the air tells us it's time to move inside
and prepare for the future.
It's clear that our inner world is inviting us to dive more deeply
inward. Days are shortening as we move into the dark side of
the Great Round. This is a time when we leave the outer world
behind. This is a time for releasing and letting go.We can see
this in nature--the trees are dropping their leaves, flower petals
are fading, birds are making their annual journey south. As the
energy shifts inward, preparing for a new cycle, things need to
die. This is the time to celebrate endings. The natural world is
dying. Things are being cleared away, making room for new life
to take root. Nature is showing us the important role death plays
in the cycle of life.
During this transformational time we pause to acknowledge the
importance of endings, of releasing and honor the critical role
endings play in our personal growth journey. Our body's internal
clock knows deep down that a change of season means a
change in us, too. If we don't acknowledge this, we may feel out
of sync, as though we have lost our natural rhythm.
We can consciously celebrate the change of season and shift
our own energy by setting some time aside to make the same
changes we see in nature. Here are some fun, easy ways to
support those changes:
1. Put away bright, summer colors. Replace them with warm
golds, reds, and browns. I'm naturally drawn to the bright colors
of the warmer seasons, but I enjoy decorating with fall-colored
leaves and pumpkins. I like bringing the seasonal beauty of
nature indoors.
2. Stoke your inner fires with your favorite coffee, tea, cider, or
cocoa while savoring the rich, hot comfort foods that the season
brings: potatoes, apple pies, pumpkin, and squash. What are
your favorite fall comfort foods?
3. As animals begin growing their winter coats and preparing
their dens for hibernation, dust off your favorite sweaters and
jackets, gloves and hats, and bring blankets out of storage. We
transition from cool cotton summer sheets to warm and cozy
flannel sheets and a heavier quilt. Create coziness and light
candles or fireplaces to bring the summer's fiery glow indoors.
A conscious celebration of the changes we see all around us
ushers in the new season and allows us to go with the flow, not
resist it. When we’re in sync with the rhythm of nature and the
universe it carries us forward.
our own energy by setting some time aside to make the same
changes we see in nature. Here are some fun, easy ways to
support those changes:
1. Put away bright, summer colors. Replace them with warm
golds, reds, and browns. I'm naturally drawn to the bright colors
of the warmer seasons, but I enjoy decorating with fall-colored
leaves and pumpkins. I like bringing the seasonal beauty of
nature indoors.
2. Stoke your inner fires with your favorite coffee, tea, cider, or
cocoa while savoring the rich, hot comfort foods that the season
brings: potatoes, apple pies, pumpkin, and squash. What are
your favorite fall comfort foods?
3. As animals begin growing their winter coats and preparing
their dens for hibernation, dust off your favorite sweaters and
jackets, gloves and hats, and bring blankets out of storage. We
transition from cool cotton summer sheets to warm and cozy
flannel sheets and a heavier quilt. Create coziness and light
candles or fireplaces to bring the summer's fiery glow indoors.
A conscious celebration of the changes we see all around us
ushers in the new season and allows us to go with the flow, not
resist it. When we’re in sync with the rhythm of nature and the
universe it carries us forward.
What We Need Is Here
Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry
Horseback on Sunday morning,
harvest over, we taste persimmon
and wild grape, sharp sweet
of summer's end. In time's maze
over fall fields, we name names
that rest on graves. We open
a persimmon seed to find the tree
that stands in promise,
pale, in the seed's marrow.
Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.
harvest over, we taste persimmon
and wild grape, sharp sweet
of summer's end. In time's maze
over fall fields, we name names
that rest on graves. We open
a persimmon seed to find the tree
that stands in promise,
pale, in the seed's marrow.
Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.
Evolution of consciousness depends on letting things die away:
Outdated beliefs, stories, habits; relationships that no longer
serve you; jobs that crush your spirit – all these things have to
end in order to create space for growth.
The energy of the season is supporting you in this difficult work.
Nature is showing how beautiful the process can be. It's often
when we connect with nature - stop thinking - and simply be -
like a deer in the woods, that clear answers naturally flow in.
I find the clearest messages and wise guidance come to me
when I simply stop, go outside - or, look out the window -
connect with a bird flying by - or with a tree, or the sun, or the
sky, or the snow, or a bunny nibbling on grass, or the moon, or
the feel of a gentle breeze on my cheeks.
Outdated beliefs, stories, habits; relationships that no longer
serve you; jobs that crush your spirit – all these things have to
end in order to create space for growth.
The energy of the season is supporting you in this difficult work.
Nature is showing how beautiful the process can be. It's often
when we connect with nature - stop thinking - and simply be -
like a deer in the woods, that clear answers naturally flow in.
I find the clearest messages and wise guidance come to me
when I simply stop, go outside - or, look out the window -
connect with a bird flying by - or with a tree, or the sun, or the
sky, or the snow, or a bunny nibbling on grass, or the moon, or
the feel of a gentle breeze on my cheeks.
What's needed more than ever is to connect and ground with
nature. By sending our taproots deep down into the earth we
can maintain a sense of stability, in the chaos. Here are five
powerful ways to cultivate the inner serenity, calm and stability
we all need right now.
1. This is the time of year to get comfortable with your inner life.
This is where the work is for the next few months. Make peace
with yourself. Don’t judge anything that comes up for you. Just
feel whatever you need to feel, and practice being an observer.
Observe your inner life without judgement.
2. Embrace the darkness. This dark side of the Great Round
reminds you not to fear the darkness. There’s a lot of beauty in
these dark days. Magic is born in the darkness. Don’t be afraid
to look at your dark parts. Wrap your arms around those parts of
yourself–send yourself only deep, compassionate love.
3. Release whatever needs to die to make space for new life to
be born. Listen to what your shadows tell you and discover parts
of yourself you need to let go of in order to grow & evolve.
4. This is a time for serious nurturing. Being brave enough to
journey into the darkness requires really mindful nurturing &
self-compassion. In perfect divine timing, we are entering the
feminine/yin side of the Great Round. Yin energy is restful. It’s
gentle & nurturing. It’s intuitive & receptive. Take deep care of
yourself. Sleep as much as you can; don’t push yourself.
Whatever self-care looks like for you, do that. Don’t judge
yourself for how much you need it right now.
5. I invite you to try something I do all the time to stop my mind
chatter. Imagine laying your mind down on the earth whenever
it's racing with thoughts, or feeling fearful, or triggered. Imagine
placing it gently on the earth like you would a tired child for a
long needed nap. Take a deep breath and open to who you are
without your thoughts. Expect to be surprised! (Thanks to Susan
Jenkins at www.shamanichealingwork.com for this sweet
practice).
nature. By sending our taproots deep down into the earth we
can maintain a sense of stability, in the chaos. Here are five
powerful ways to cultivate the inner serenity, calm and stability
we all need right now.
1. This is the time of year to get comfortable with your inner life.
This is where the work is for the next few months. Make peace
with yourself. Don’t judge anything that comes up for you. Just
feel whatever you need to feel, and practice being an observer.
Observe your inner life without judgement.
2. Embrace the darkness. This dark side of the Great Round
reminds you not to fear the darkness. There’s a lot of beauty in
these dark days. Magic is born in the darkness. Don’t be afraid
to look at your dark parts. Wrap your arms around those parts of
yourself–send yourself only deep, compassionate love.
3. Release whatever needs to die to make space for new life to
be born. Listen to what your shadows tell you and discover parts
of yourself you need to let go of in order to grow & evolve.
4. This is a time for serious nurturing. Being brave enough to
journey into the darkness requires really mindful nurturing &
self-compassion. In perfect divine timing, we are entering the
feminine/yin side of the Great Round. Yin energy is restful. It’s
gentle & nurturing. It’s intuitive & receptive. Take deep care of
yourself. Sleep as much as you can; don’t push yourself.
Whatever self-care looks like for you, do that. Don’t judge
yourself for how much you need it right now.
5. I invite you to try something I do all the time to stop my mind
chatter. Imagine laying your mind down on the earth whenever
it's racing with thoughts, or feeling fearful, or triggered. Imagine
placing it gently on the earth like you would a tired child for a
long needed nap. Take a deep breath and open to who you are
without your thoughts. Expect to be surprised! (Thanks to Susan
Jenkins at www.shamanichealingwork.com for this sweet
practice).
This Co-Creative Mandala, "Peaceful Retreat", from a photo of
maple reminds us that to shift our reality we must take whatever
action is required to achieve our dreams. If our dreams are
unclear now is the time to discern what is right for our soul. This
is the time to tap into our dreams by allowing and
acknowledging our emotions for what they are. Retreat to
quieter, indoor pursuits and nurture the seeds of new
endeavors, which need quiet inner focus to grow.
Without darkness, nothing comes to birth...
May Sarton
May Sarton
Peaceful Retreat Exercise
In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate
"Peaceful Retreat" and feel supported by your inner and outer
resources. Honor this powerful time of shifting toward the
darkness.
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
"Peaceful Retreat". What does "Peaceful Retreat" 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 "Peaceful
Retreat" mandala; allow the mandala energy to fill your heart; be
with whatever is there.
Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Peaceful Retreat”
energy to flow to and through your body. Imagine that energy
bursting through your crown chakra and extending far into the
heavens.
Imagine the “Peaceful Retreat” 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
“Peaceful Retreat” energy is a radiant ball that encircles you.
Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.
What about the "Peaceful Retreat" 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.
1. What is ready to die within me?
What do I need to release in order to transform?
What am I ready to let go of so I can continue to evolve?
2. What do my shadows have to reveal?
What is emerging from the growing darkness?
What do your shadows want to show you right now?
3. How can I best nourish myself this season?
What's the kindest thing you can do for yourself right now?
4. What magic is brewing in the growing darkness?
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 peaceful and
comforting to you. I hope the changing season feels nurturing--
and the idea of fireplaces, comfort food, and a peaceful retreat
sounds cozy.
Sending you love, blessings, and light for the weeks and months
to come.
In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate
"Peaceful Retreat" and feel supported by your inner and outer
resources. Honor this powerful time of shifting toward the
darkness.
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
"Peaceful Retreat". What does "Peaceful Retreat" 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 "Peaceful
Retreat" mandala; allow the mandala energy to fill your heart; be
with whatever is there.
Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Peaceful Retreat”
energy to flow to and through your body. Imagine that energy
bursting through your crown chakra and extending far into the
heavens.
Imagine the “Peaceful Retreat” 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
“Peaceful Retreat” energy is a radiant ball that encircles you.
Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.
What about the "Peaceful Retreat" 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.
1. What is ready to die within me?
What do I need to release in order to transform?
What am I ready to let go of so I can continue to evolve?
2. What do my shadows have to reveal?
What is emerging from the growing darkness?
What do your shadows want to show you right now?
3. How can I best nourish myself this season?
What's the kindest thing you can do for yourself right now?
4. What magic is brewing in the growing darkness?
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 peaceful and
comforting to you. I hope the changing season feels nurturing--
and the idea of fireplaces, comfort food, and a peaceful retreat
sounds cozy.
Sending you love, blessings, and light for the weeks and months
to come.
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