Fall is almost here people. Can you believe how fast time has gone by! Kids out of school, summer vacays, barbeques, picnics, or just enjoying an ice cream or smoothie on a hot summer day is commencing. Now, it is time to embrace the seasonal change from summer to autumn. Autumn is a time to honor the change of season. As you may or may not know, twice a year an equinox occurs around March 21 and September 22. This is the only time of the year when both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience roughly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime. This year the autumn equinox of the Northern Hemisphere will occur on September 23, 2019.
Back in the day, ancient cultures honored the seasonal changes in nature because it also represented the changes that we as humans experience during the year. Ancient cultures honored the first fruits of their harvests. Also, the sun was a centerpiece of their spiritual journey which represented the journey humanity takes from darkness to enlightenment. The importance of the sun is often depicted on the ancient pyramids. The designs of the pyramids are believed to align with the seasonal changes.
Today, most people do not plant and harvest crops. We are pretty fortunate to have the ability to go to our local supermarket and purchase our food. From a figurative perspective, we should continue to honor the change in the seasons because our human bodies innately know the difference. For example, people feel the need to get rid of stuff in the Spring, feel energized in the summer, slow down in the fall, and nest in the winter. Our bodies react to the changes in the season whether we pay attention to it or not.
Autumn represents a time to honor the harvest of our own lives. At the beginning of the year, we set goals and find ways to implement these goals. We remove the things in our lives that are no longer in service to us. We replace them with new attitudes and behaviors that allow us to shift, grow, and change. This could mean taking a cooking class, exercising, reading a book, etc. These goals can signify a growth mindset. We stretch ourselves to make room for those things that can bring meaning to our lives.
Autumn is a time of the year to revisit those seeds that were planted at the beginning of the year. Did I water it enough? Did I remove weeds and other debris that was hindering growth? Is it time to reap my harvest? The answer to these questions does not determine if you succeeded or failed? This time of year allows you to reflect, focus, release, and celebrate. Yes, celebrate! Find gratitude in the journey. There is always growth with change regardless of how big or small it is. Autumn is a time of rest and silence which allows room for reflection. Life is a continued evolution of joy, grace, love, pain, disappointment, etc. Our growth shows up in our reaction in those moments.
Take time to honor the harvest. Be gentle on yourself. Explore, reflect, release, and grow. Honor the harvest by lighting a candle, journal, speak gratitude, allow others to feel the joy and love flowing through you, and continue to remember that we are all perfectly imperfect.