The days are growing shorter and the weather is cooling down. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we approach the Autumn Equinox, a turning of the wheel to a day where there is equal balance of light and darkness.
The energy shifts from expansive, outward and upward with Summer’s growth and abundance to an inward direction. This is an opportune time to slow down and pause, to take stock and reflect back on what has ripened in our own lives, what is primed for harvest, and what is ready to be thrown out to be composted to allow space for something else to flourish.
Below are some simple ways to mark the start of the season and tap into the energy Autumn brings:
1) Take a nature walk
I am blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest, where the deciduous leaves turn magnificent colors of gold, yellow, orange, and red. Here, the Earth’s celebration of Autumn is a glorious feast for the eyes! Simply by taking a step outside and I can revel in the beauty of the season.
Even if you live somewhere where seasons are not as obvious (I grew up in San Diego, CA where there’s only Summer and not-Summer lol), I am confident you can go find a park or natural area nearby and seek this out. Even a walk down your city street will show signs of the turning of the wheel, although they might be more subtle and take a more critical eye to notice.
What changes in the environment do you notice?
What do you notice about how the air feels on your skin?
Are there different activities you feel drawn to?
If you have access to fallen leaves, connect to your inner child and play in them! Enjoy crunching them under your feet, gather some and toss them into the air. Collect some of your favorite shapes or colors and take them home to create some leaf art or bring nature into your home.
2) Begin a gratitude practice
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time to focus on our blessings. If you don’t have one already, bringing a gratitude practice into your daily life is a sure way to highlight the abundance that is already yours. Gratitude is the precursor to happiness. Read more about this in my blog post The Secret to Happiness, which I wrote last Fall.
I am grateful for fresh air to fill my lungs.
I am grateful to be healthy and strong.
I am grateful to be safe and protected.
I am grateful for access to clean water.
I am grateful to have a home.
I am grateful for my desire to remember my connection to the natural world.
See, it’s pretty easy! Once you begin, the blessings get easier to spot! Even if you list the same thing 10 times, that energy attracts more abundance to you and it will be easier to find the more you do it. So get started!
3) Do a deep clean / belongings purge
“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let dead things go.”
– unknown
Channel your inner Marie Kondo and clear your schedule for a weekend/day/hour/or 20-minute increments. Pick a room/drawer/closet and take everything out. I know, I know, yes it will be a bigger mess in the beginning to start out with. But it’s important to clear the space, hey- even wipe down the surfaces, and prepare the space with intention what it will be holding.
If it doesn’t serve you or add joy to your life, thank it for serving its purpose at some point, and either donate it (if it’s in usable condition), recycle it, or trash it. It will feel SO good, trust me. It might just spur you on a deep cleaning spree of your whole home, which is a ritual I do before I decorate for each season.
4) Decorate and make leaf art
Remember those beautiful leaves you collected from your nature walk? Well, let’s put them to use! Pinterest has a plethora of tutorials on how to make garlands and mobiles, leaf prints, or clay leaf bowl with your findings. I love adding natural elements to my altars as well.
If you don’t have fresh leaves to use, you can get felt or faux ones at craft supply stores and make garlands and mobiles, centerpieces, or a wreath for your front door.
5) Bake something yummy
Fill your home with delicious scents that stimulate memories of Autumn. Pumpkin spice anyone? This is an easy way to connect to our Ancestors, through food!
I make a special meal/dessert/dish at each holiday as a tradition to share with my family. Perhaps you have a recipe that has been passed down through generations? If not, make your own traditions! Being intentional and consciously choosing where your time and energy go is such a rewarding practice. YOU create the life you want for yourself.
Some of my favorite baked goods for Fall are baked apple crisp, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cranberry bagels. Yum!! Memories are easily triggered by smells so fill your home with music, scents of comforting delicious food, and sounds of laughter and happiness this season.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these recommendations and will try one (or all) of the ways to welcome the season of Autumn. Don’t be afraid to make your own that resonate with you!
Autumn blessings,
Christen
Earth Star Healing Arts 