Today is the Autumnal Equinox (9:03 pm to be exact). One of two days in the year where night and day are of equal length -- signifying that the balance between light and dark is shifting.
As with all seasonal changes, there is a natural tendency to pause during this time of transition; to reflect upon what aspects of our lives may be out of balance and how we can bring ourselves into better balance, mentally/physically/emotionally.
Autumn is a time for letting go, surrendering, releasing. A time to exhale and leave behind what is no longer working for you as you enter a new season.
Carve out a little time today to honor this transition from summer to autumn and to set an intention for this next season to release anger, resentments, fear -- and to surrender fully into your divine intuition; trusting in yourself and your place in this big, beautiful world.
A few of my favorite ways to honor the fall season:
Be Still: Take time to be still and breathe. Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable — perhaps outside on the ground! Take a moment to reflect on ways in which your life may be out of balance and set an intention to shifting your lifestyle to better honor yourself. Use a journal or the ‘Notes’ app on your phone to record your thoughts.
Eat Intentionally: Celebrate the abundance of fall foods from nature and create a warm, hearty soup with root vegetables or squash. Still feeling too warm for soup here in Southern Indiana? Try adding some fall fruit and/or veggies to a salad instead.
Get Outside: This will always and forever be my advice for every seasonal change. Take a walk with intention and notice the changing scenery, smells, and sounds. Be aware of how the air feels on your skin and the waning sun on your face. Take your shoes off, root your bare feet into the earth, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in and out the nose as you appreciate the change in temperature, scents, textures, and sounds.
Yoga: Of course, my yoga practice is such an important part of transitioning into a new season. The Muladhara (Root Chakra) is the Chakra for the Fall Season. Practice poses that are grounding — perhaps outside to better connect to the Earth Element — and allow your body to surrender to the movement and postures. My favorite grounding poses: Reclined Butterfly with Belly Breath, Easy Sitting or Lotus Pose, Dragonfly Fold, Tree, Child’s Pose, and Supine Twist. As you practice, remember this mantra related to the Muladhara Chakra: ‘I am grounded. I belong. I live with intention.’
Remember to stay grounded, to trust in yourself, and to live with intention.
Happy Fall, Fire Horse Yogis!