Fall Equinox/season is more than the dropping of temperatures, apple cider donuts (my fav) and going back to school. It’s a transition from an energetic Summer to going within. To connecting with and nurture ourselves. It’s a time to stop doing everything for everyone and turning that attention inward. It’s a time of ‘Letting Go’ what no longer serves us, and, at the same time acknowledging all of that you’ve done this year. It’s the perfect time to reflect any growth and changes you’ve gone through and to be grateful for everything in your life.

Personally, I’ve been struggling with anxiety. My kids went back to school for part of the day. The pandemic has created a new environment for learning for our children. As a mom, I’m concerned about their health but also know that I must ‘let go’ of to control everything and honor my kids’ choice of wanting to be in school with their friends. Their choices and their need for independence is something I must recognize as their growth. Buddha said that everything is impermanent. Just as the seasons change, change also occurs within each and every one of us.

Knowing how to handle feelings that arise helps us to work through them faster. For me, one of the ways that I was able to cope with the anxiety was to do some breath work. Breath work allowed me pause and focus. Simply inhaling and exhaling slowly does the trick. The anxiety had no where to go but leave. I’m not saying that it doesn’t return once in awhile but I have some control in taming it.

I also recognized that I now have more space in my schedule for what I want to do. More time for reflection (journaling has been a HUGE help for me), short daily doses of yoga and more time for decluttering (letting go of physical ‘stuff’)

Honoring the seasonal changes is important. We create rituals that welcome in the energy. In the Fall we ground and balance ourselves. We create space in our schedules for fun things and find times to pause when life is hectic. A great way to ground our energy is through a meditation. A walking meditation is a great way to connect with nature and disconnect with technology. As you walk take a look at the beautiful scenery, smells and movement around you.

Yin Yoga is another great practice. Yin poses, specifically focusing on the lung meridian, help strengthen our immune system. Qi Gong - a standing movement practice, helps with the clearing stagnant energy in our bodies. Incorporating small snippets of healthy habits into our busy schedule will keep you grounded, focused and tranquil.

Create the intention to slow down and nurture yourself. Make self-care non-negotiable. At the same time, don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a walk or meditation. Lastly, take a moment and think about all of the things that you've accomplished this past year. Do you ever really take the time to stop and think of ways we’ve navigated through challenges, or for growth that occurred within you? Pause and tell yourself how amazing you are. Because you truly are.