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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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,
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,
RSS Feed
