As the days begin to get darker and our mornings and evenings are greeted by cooler temperatures, all of us can sense that indeed, summer is coming to an end.

On Thursday Sept 22, 2022, Autumn Equinox will arrive, officially marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

For me, living in British Columbia, Canada, fall is a time of letting go. As we watch the leaves fluttering to the ground, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of things. We have witnessed the budding of life in springtime and the richness and abundance of summer. Fall brings with it a time of reflection and transition, from the lighter months fading into the darkness of winter.

Traditionally, Autumn Equinox was a time to honour harvest.

Metaphorically, we can refer to fall as the harvest of goals and intentions and reflect on how these “seeds” have been evolving or growing. Fall is a great time to consider what no longer serves us. It is also a perfect time of year to become still in the moment and deepen our spiritual connection. As the leaves change we are reminded of the changes within our own lives.

Here are some ways we can show gratitude for our bounty and prepare ourselves for the winter months as we shift our growth with the seasonal change.

Cleansing our Bodies

As fall brings an abundance of harvest, we can cleanse our bodies ridding us of the toxins we may have endured over the summer months. Choose organic foods, consider a detox, or create a healthier shift in your diet. Incorporate healthy eating habits to cleanse your body. You may even want to keep a food diary to keep track of your progress or try a new recipe weekly.

Cleansing our Spaces

During the summer months, many of us may spend ample time enjoying outdoor activities such as; tending to our gardens, savoring summer patios, beach days, camping, bike rides and nature hikes. But as the days get shorter and cooler into the fall months, we should tend to our “hearths” (the symbol of one’s home) and cleanse our spaces. Let go of unwanted things that take up clutter or no longer serve you. Go through your clothes closet and give away things you no longer wear. With household items, you may want to have a garage sale or donate used goods to charities. Give the house a good deep clean from top to bottom. Pay special attention to spaces you have neglected for some time. When you are finished, cleanse your space with herbs or incense to shift the energy.

Meditate

As our energy is drawn inward during the cooler months, take some time to self reflect and experience the present moment. Meditation is a great way to relax the body and calm the mind. Take inventory of what you need and what you would like to let go of in the upcoming months. Remember that although the leaves and gardens surrounding us are meeting their end stages, in actuality there is no death, just nature changing form. Let go of your baggage like a tree shedding its leaves. In order to begin a new path you must let go of toxic relationships, self limiting beliefs, and things that prevent you from moving forward. Nature intrinsically knows what it needs and what it does not. We can learn a lot by observing nature. Create a meditation journal and schedule a time which works best for you. Pay attention. Thoughts are things. Release what is no longer serving you. Take the time to embrace the change that fall offers. Begin your journey and rid yourself of the things you have been afraid to let go of. Open your heart and make way into the darker months. If you would like a guided meditation for fall, you can follow the link to the Chopra Centre