Fall is a time of change. Temperatures change from warm to to cool, days of abundant light give way to longer periods of darkness, nature changes its colors from vibrant greens to the fall colors of red, yellow, and eventually brown. As we approach the autumn equinox, a sense of change and renewal is all around us.
Spiritual Significance of Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox is the day when the sun passes directly over Earth’s equator. The name equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). On this day at the onset of fall, the daytime and nighttime are equal in length, just before the nights begin to lengthen and daylight hours shorten.
Because of this, the autumn equinox is the perfect time to celebrate balance. As we move into a time of longer periods of darkness, we can reflect on the waning year with gratitude and look to the year ahead with mindful intentionality. This is the time to reflect on your plans and resolutions. It’s a time to evaluate where you are and look ahead to see where you want to go.
Take Inventory
Take time to examine where you are in your life and how your current focus is crafting your reality. Fall is a time to envision yourself where you want to be and plant some new seeds of intention.
Consider the leaves on a tree. When they are green and healthy, they provide nourishment, bring beauty, and gather energy to the tree. But when they begin to turn brown and wither, they no longer serve the tree and they are released back to the earth. These leaves enrich the soil to nourish seeds that will give way to the next generation.
What “leaves” do you need to release? Analyze what is no longer working for you and have the courage to let it go. The longer we hang on to what doesn’t draw life to us, the slower we move ahead. Reflect on the dead leaves in your life, while embracing the lessons learned that will pave the way for new growth and life.
Start a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is an excellent way to keep a positive outlook. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way, even when the going is rough. The act of recording 3-5 things each day for which you are grateful can change a negative outlook. Even on the worst of days, we can find something good for which we can give thanks.
Keeping a gratitude journal may actually lower stress levels and promote self-awareness and an optimistic attitude. After months of keeping a journal, you can look back and see a written record of blessings in your life.
Bring Balance in Your Home
During this time of refreshing and resetting, you may feel the need to do some fall cleaning. Clear your space and get rid of things that are no longer needed or don’t bring you joy. Even just rearranging furniture can spruce up an old room and make it feel fresh again.
Restore Your Health
Fall is a great time to focus on your health and evaluate your habits. Consider starting a new workout routine or a dietary cleanse. Reset your relationship with food and learn how think about food as nourishing medicine.
Take a Meditation Walk
Make time to connect to the world outside this fall. Take a walk in the crisp fall air and listen to the rustle of the leaves, being mindful and present. Take note of the colors around you, and breathe in the scents that surround you.
As you walk, allow yourself to just “be”. Do not try to analyze or overthink the problems of the world. Just be present. As do so, ask yourself, “Is there anything I need to release?” If there is, offer up a simple prayer of gratitude, release, and letting go.
How do you commemorate the changing of the seasons and the fall equinox? Comment and share below.
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Check out these fall must haves to gear up for this fall and even winter!
