Here it is: Autumn

At Equinox we recognize how much the quality and amount of light have changed since summer. It's a slow and persistent ebb toward the long night of Solstice. But on Equinox itself, the light is balanced between night and day. We have about 12 hours each day when we are focused outward, getting things done. Then in the old times, without electric lights everywhere whether we need them or not, maybe people sat by a flame and worked or told stories. 

At this time, thunder and lightning disappear — sometimes first thunder reappears in February. Leaves drop. We finish gathering herbs and plants we need to carry us through autumn and winter. If you don’t garden it’s still lovely to harvest something. Maybe that’s why pumpkins have become so popular. They are a kind of harvest celebration. 

So we are out of sync with the way people have generally experienced the seasons. I think we already know that. We might really appreciate some of those changes but it’s good to consider which of those actually support our well-being. Can we slow down earlier in the day? More toward sunset? Let ourselves enjoy good rest during the dark hours? Greet the sunrise more days than not? Actually, stop and notice. Step outside and absorb that first light.

In Autumn, our life energy
pulls closer to our core 

Some characteristics of autumn include a contraction and slowing. We are no longer in a growth cycle but one of decline when our life energy pulls closer to our core. Autumn and winter are drying — could they really be drier than most of the summer was? 

Pause to consider.  What good memories can you harvest from summer?  Make a list. Make that list a part of a larger piece of art. Scroll through the photos on your smartphone. Any blue sky summer day photo is a gift. Get your favorite images printed and make an album or collage of your most celebrated summer moments. I promise you will find some, probably more of them than you expect.

Every year, as the season progresses, I mourn being able to walk outside and design meals around whatever I pick. Our garden is always high on my list of good summer memories. If this autumn, brings smokeless skies, reminds us that Montana’s big open skiies are a gift to not be taken for granted, that alone is worthy of celebration. For me, July felt like an exercise in endurance, quick grabbing whatever relatively clear, not baking, outdoor moments I could find.

The turning of the seasons
affects your health

To celebrate Autumn Equinox create a harvest display in your home. Sit outdoors or go walking during the first light of morning and the last light of evening. Breathe that light deep into your cells. Spend some evening time in quiet dark lit only by a candle, once a week? Twice? 

The turning of the seasons affects your body and health. BodyMind Spirit Healthcare sessions help attune you to the changing seasons, and the changing light of Standard Time (coming way toooo soon for me). 

For each of us, as we move into autumn, I wish a harvest of good health -- which takes more self-care, more diligence now than ever - - for each of us, including anyone practicing the healing arts. 

From my household to yours,

Jenna

Phew. Long time-related series of articles. "Talk" with you in mid-October.

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