Autumn equinox: partnering with nature for seasonal reflection

This Sunday, 22nd September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere – the autumn equinox, where there is (almost) an equal amount of light and darkness everyone in the world.

I don’t know about you, but the fire’s been lit over the weekend and the heating has even been on for a short time. Things are definitely changing and for me, that’s a good time to reflect. At this time of year, that might be about exploring balance, just as the seasons tip into balance and then onwards. There’s colour emerging, ripeness and an abundance of produce for harvesting. There’s gratitude for what’s been and perhaps a hankering towards nestling down and preparing to rest and recover. It’s a great opportunity to bring a different energy to our connection with nature, different to the forward, outward and fast energy of spring – a regenerative slower, inward energy which allows us to take care of ourselves.

At this time of year, I find myself intuitively:

• • Getting more early nights and plenty of rest. This year, I’ve made a promise to myself not to try to continue at the pace of summer but to adjust the rhythm of my days to support what I need – a slower pace for sure.
  • Taking more walks out in the nature and making the most of the golden light. As I write this, the sun is still relatively high in the sky and I know that once the clocks change, this is much easier said than done! It feels like an act of kindness to myself to honour what I need so I will stick to it. I have to.
  • Shifting what I eat to a nourishing diet of seasonal food (soup, casseroles, Buddha bowls).
  • Accepting changes to my energy, my body and what I need. This feels much more congruent than telling myself I’ve failed if I can’t keep up with what I was up to in the spring and summer.
  • Holding goals lightly and taking more time to reflect, recharge and focus on what feels aligned and important.
  • Celebrating – the small stuff and the big stuff – relationships, noticings, achievements, honouring what matters.
  • Paying attention to what feels self-nourishing and nurturing and choosing to do that.

How about you? What will you do to honour what you need as the season’s change? How will you take care of yourself?

This year, on Wednesday 18th September, I’m hosting a seasonal reflective practice session, inspired by the Autumn Equinox. It’s from 10am – 11.30am online and I’d love to see you there. 

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