Celebrating Autumnal Equinox

Fall has arrived! On September 22nd, we celebrate the ‘official’ transition to autumn with the Autumnal Equinox.  This seasonal change is palpable here in Connecticut; the leaves have started changing color, it’s the time of year for apple picking and pumpkin patches, and the crisp and cool mornings certainly remind us of summer’s gentle close.  The sentiment of autumn is reaping the yields of summer; it’s the time to harvest!  As we venture into fall, it’s an invitation to look back on the efforts and energy (traditionally invested in farms and crops) that has been put forth through summer labor.  We may also begin to recall the seeds of intention sown back in the spring, and how those (how WE) have grown over these several months.

For many, we forget to use the energy of autumn in this latter aspect.  It’s easy for us to think of what hasn’t come to fruition, of the dreams yet to be fulfilled, of the areas we wanted something more for ourselves.  And yet, there is tremendous value to shift thinking and begin to take inventory of areas where you have noticed growth or change, even if it feels minor, and reflect on the impacts these have made.  With the longer, cooler nights and shifted arc of the sun in the sky, fall’s energy is here to support you to take some time to check in.  Perhaps sitting wrapped warmly in a blanket or letting your feet dance gently in a brook as leaves drift by, you might take a moment to slow down from summer and let your energy be directed inward.

There are many ways to take inventory, and I recently thought of this like building a cornucopia of my accomplishments and shifts throughout the year.  Below, I offer some seasonal practices to support a gentle inquiry and to find the areas where you have shifted into greater alignment with your true Self.  We must recall these small shifts that add up to big change, moving us ever closer to fulfilling our highest purpose.

Autumn Seasonal Reflection Practices:

1. Go for a walk and notice the contrast of nature; there are plants that still thrive in vibrant green, while others turn muted and begin the process of withdrawal in preparation for winter.  Maybe you notice where these same things are happening within you. 

2. Shift your morning wake up beverage to include ginger, nutmeg and/or cinnamon, a few warming spices that invite you into presence and reflection.

3. Take a moment to journal about anything that feels ready to come to closure or completion.  Fall is the season of endings so that we may make space for new beginnings.  Consider this an energetic clearing out. What are you ready to shed, just like the leaves falling from the trees?  

4. Consider more restorative exercise, such as gentle or yin-style yoga, tai chi, or qi gong.  Notice the spaciousness within your body, mind and spirit, as you slow your movement into resonance with season of autumn, of slowing down. 

5. Create a summer celebration jar (or cornucopia!) for your altar. Include within it any items that remind you of all you have done so far this year.  Be sure to hold space and celebrate this growth within you. 

6. Take a warm bath with a sugar scrub to exfoliate and remove the cells of summer, and then lather your skin with rich, honey or clove-scented oil or lotion.  As you massage the oil or lotion into your skin, speak kind words of mantra or affirmation to yourself, reinforcing your innate beauty and divinity. 

7. Prepare a Golden Milk (see recipe below) before bedtime, creating space to settle from the day, let your thoughts quiet and marinate.  Maybe you find this a good time to meditate, reflect, or journal.

8. Collect your thoughts about what you still wish to manifest and look to see how you can turn these into intentions.  With winter on the horizon, it’s time to think of rebirth energy; what might you nurture into reality? 

9. Notice within you the contrast of yin and yang energy.  Where are you efforting and where are you quietly resting?  At the equinox, we are reminded of the balance of all things, with equal parts day and night.  Is one area of your life more expressed than another?  What might need to come into balance?

Autumn begins the movement of energy inwards, such as we see with the trees, conserving their energy towards the trunk and letting their leaves fall. This is a lovely time for introspection, self-care and celebration.  Consider even just one of these practices above, or perhaps you try a few. Begin by honoring your accomplishments!  Lean into the sentiments of harvest and completion, recalling all you’ve done through the spring and summer.  Also, leave space to slough off what you no longer need.  Give space to renew, restore and bring your energy inward, looking curiously at anything you might still need to nurture.   

With the onset of autumn, we transition from summer’s time of high energy and abundance, in preparation for winter’s restorative, slumbering and dreaming energy.  Wishing you an equinox season of wisdom and reflection, a balancing of your energies across the things that fuel you and the things that nourish you.  ‘And we shed what was left of our summer skin,’ (Death Cab for Cutie)

Golden Milk Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Good pinch of each: ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground ginger

Small pinch of ground black pepper

Maple syrup or honey to taste

Preparation:

This can be done in a pot on the stove or in a microwaveable mug.

Combine milk and spices, ground black pepper.  Heat over medium-low heat (or for about 90 seconds in the microwave) until just before milk reaches a boil.

Reduce heat (or remove mug from microwave), add maple syrup or honey and use a frother or whisk to blend thoroughly.

Allow to cool slightly and sip away!

By Jennifer Rizza, Founder of Newtown Wellness Collective, Reiki Master Teacher, RYT & Restorative Yoga Teacher, Wellness & Healthy Lifestyle Coach