Tag: journal

Happy Fall Equinox!

I happen to be posting this within the hour of the actual equinox. It is officially fall here in the northern hemisphere.

I find fall a challenging season, the waning light is beginning to be noticeable in the the afternoons and the harvesting of fresh vegetables from the garden has mostly passed. I also find it exciting, as I look forward to warming foods and sunny days with low humidity.

Energetically, this period between the fall equinox and Samhain is about beginning to turn inward, reaping the results of what you have worked toward this year, looking back at your efforts, expressing gratitude for what you were able to accomplish, accepting and letting go (for now) of what you were not able to accomplish.

There can be some anxiety that occurs as the days become shorter. There can be disappointment or excitement as we take stock of what we have accomplished. For some of us who love this season particularly, there is looking forward to special meals with friends and family.

To help with the transition into the seasons, I find it important to take time to reflect on the change in seasons, the changes in our bodies, feelings, and environments that may accompany the seasonal shift, and to perform some sort of ritual to welcome in the new season.

A ritual is a beautiful way of acknowledging and honoring the shifting seasons. For those of you who are not accustomed to using the language “ritual”, these are psychologically powerful, intentional behaviors that create awareness around the chosen activity. This can be anything from creating art, singing a song, arranging flowers, taking a walk, or cooking a meal. The point is that these activities are chosen and performed in a way that is aligned with the intention to honor the experience of moving into the autumn season.

My chosen ritual this week was baking spiced banana bread and hearty pot of chicken soup. The warming spices and rich homemade bone broth felt comforting to me and aligned with my feeling perception that autumn is here. I love cinnamon in particular, for the fact that it is both warming and moistening, which is uncommon. I also have plans to make some spiced milk tea from fresh spices I have been collecting over the past few months. I have fresh cinnamon bark, whole nutmeg, and cardamom pods that I am excited to use in preparation for those first colder nights.

I’d like to invite you to reflect on what ritual might be appropriate for you this week, to acknowledge the shift in seasons. Perhaps it’s refreshing the decorations around your house, pulling the box of sweaters and jackets out of the back of your closet, spending a few hours cleaning and organizing, or choosing your favorite bulbs to plant over the winter and spending some time outside, giving friends a gift of apple cider, or meditating on gratitude. What ever you choose, be sure to do it mindfully, with intention and care. Take this time for yourself to breathe and reflect.

I have provided a journal prompt to help you reflect on the year. For those who would like to take a deeper dive into their inner experience, consider these prompts in a quiet, private place which is free of distraction. I would recommend including reflection and exploration of these prompts as part of your ritual activity.