Welcoming Autumn

This Friday is the Autumnal Equinox. 

I used to be terrified of this time.

I grew up in the cold winters of New York and never felt quite at home or comfortable there. For as long as I can remember I sought out the warmth. Endless summers were my dream. My seeking led me to Australia, Thailand, Hawaii, California…. I thought I would never look back or return to living somewhere where the temperature dropped below 65F (if we’re being generous).

Then suddenly, I needed seasons. I craved the energetic and spiritual transitions that naturally come with the flow of nature. 

Every season has its significance and importance and while you can experience and appreciate that no matter where you are, something instinctual inside me needed to be immersed in the energy of each season. There’s something that can be unnatural about endless summers and, for me, it wasn’t sustainable. When you live too close to the sun for too long, you tend to get burned. I was burned, and burnt out. 

I think part of my past aversion from autumn and winter, was the slowing down and letting go that came with them. The endless energy of summer fueled my endless need to do and move and stay in control. Autumn invites us to focus on abundance and gratitude. In the past, it has been a time to prioritise harvesting and getting ready for the winter. The leaves fall, showing us the beauty in letting go and creating space for new growth to begin. It is now that we begin to go inward, rest, let go, and create space for a new version of ourselves to emerge on the other side. 

I am at a time in my life when I need to embrace the beauty of slowing down and the stillness that comes with the colder months. Not only that, but the simultaneous solitude and togetherness that comes with this time. 

Despite fear that comes with change and the unknown, this year I am celebrating autumn. On Friday, I am going to welcome the equinox and the beginning of shorter days with open arms. Perhaps you will join me in a ritual that feels powerful to you. It can be as simple as listing five things you are grateful for, connecting with a friend as you reflect over the summer months, standing barefoot in your backyard.

My favorite ritual when entering a new season of my life is intention setting. I like to keep my intentions short and simple so they feel actionable and not overwhelming. I often choose a word or three that I feel embodies the energy I am hoping to step into. For me, this autumn feels like a time of intuition, stillness and connection. 

Perhaps try journaling about or meditating on what this time signifies for you. Of course, there is no right or wrong answer and no need to overcomplicate the process. It can be especially powerful to fully embody this transition through yoga asana, meditation and/or breath work centred around slowing down and letting go.

I hope you’ll join me in creating sacred time to embrace this transition and if you would like any support please reach out. Happy Autumn and happy equinox!