How to Mindfully Prepare for the Fall Equinox

September 22 marks the start of autumn each year with the Fall Equinox. As the date arrives, many people are already feeling the seasonal changes as we transition into Fall 2021.

With the emergence of the Fall Equinox, various themes arise within our psyches, which affect each of us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. During Fall, the forces of nature (darkness and light) are altered which in turn affect how we think, feel, and act.

To best prepare for Fall Equinox and the inevitable seasonal transitions, we can become aware of how the transitions affect us, and then take steps to align ourselves in heart, mind, body, and soul with the natural cycles of nature.

WHAT IS THE FALL EQUINOX?

The Fall Equinox “marks the beginning of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring in the Southern Hemisphere”“September equinox is the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator—an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator—from north to south”

Upon the arrival of the Fall Equinox, many unique changes begin to happen with our internal and external environment. The most defining characteristic of Fall Equinox is that the Sun begins to rise later and nightfall comes earlier.

You might wonder what the difference is between an equinox and a solstice. Equinox occurs twice a year in the spring and fall. Solstice also occurs twice a year in the summer and winter. Both have to do with the position of the sun. During an equinox, the earth is positioned so that there are equal amounts of daylight and darkness on most of the earth’s surface. Daylight lasts about 12 hours, and darkness lasts about 12 hours. During a solstice, though, the earth’s rotation makes daylight and darkness completely out of balance. During the summer solstice (June 21) - the longest day of the year - there is vastly more sunlight than darkness. And during the winter solstice (December 21) - the longest night of the year - there is more darkness than light.

SPIRITUAL EQUINOX

The seasonal transitions represent a spiritual time in which you have the opportunity to become more balanced and centered before the Fall & Winter seasons arrive. By effectively balancing yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, you become in tune with natural cycles to experience greater harmony.

Darkness and light are dualities that we all must become aware of, improve, and master within ourselves if we are to be balanced and grow holistically. As the alternation in light and darkness affects our own hormone levels and circadian rhythms, we have the opportunity to become more mindful of our own inner nature. By practicing mindfulness, we can become aware of, change, and master our own psychology and not let it be ruled by seasonal changes.

To that end, we all have both inner and outer resources available to us. Our inner resources are time, physical energy, mental energy, emotional energy, and inner creative power. Our outer resources are the tangible materials we have within our space, such as money, relationships, assets, etc. And as the harvest season emerges, one important aspect of harvesting (collecting) is presented to us all: giving. For the rest of this year we have an opportunity to give by sharing our internal and external resources with others. To ensure the proper balance of the universal energies of give (yang), and receive (yin) in our lives, it’s essential to manage how much we’re sharing and receiving. The beauty of harvesting our resources is that it isn’t only for ourselves and our immediate environment, but also for others such as our family, friends, co-workers, and community at large. Through practicing mindful giving and receiving, we have the chance to spread compassion to all, including ourselves.

Balancing Your Higher Self & Shadow Self...

In addition to harvesting during the fall equinox, the coming seasonal changes represent a time of balancing both your inner light (higher self), and inner darkness (shadow self). With the change in seasons, the alteration in light and darkness affects your own awareness of your light and dark side. Darkness and light also represent the different energetic polarities that exist within you: masculine/visible (yang) and feminine/hidden (yin). Your higher self (inner light) represents the version of you that is all knowing, powerful, present, and in fullest positive expression. Your shadow self (inner darkness) represents the version of yourself that contains negative thoughts, emotions, feelings, and limiting patterns. Your shadow self is the aspect of you that engages in unsupportive habits, behaviors, and beliefs. The shadow self can hold you back from positive change, and seeks to stay in its comfort zone.

To maintain a stable personal personal foundation, balance must be established between your inner light side (higher self) and dark side (shadow self). This starts with an awareness of both of their qualities and natures - a balancing of the dualities of life - as well as with self-awareness, and more specifically self reflection and inquiry. In order for the light of awareness (truth) to be revealed, you must first gain an expanded sense of conscious understanding through your own seeking. By being mindful of your own inner darkness (lower natures, thoughts, emotions, beliefs, patterns), you shine the light of awareness for the darkness to be transmuted into light.

What thoughts, emotions, actions, behaviors, habits, and beliefs are no longer serving your highest good?

After gaining an awareness of the qualities and natures of both your light and dark side, then the process of shedding what no longer serves you can begin. Releasing and letting go of old thoughts, emotions, actions, patterns, and beliefs is not an easy process, but is possible. Within the realm of inner darkness is where new intentions of life can be planted and then grown. Darkness represents the womb of transformation, and light represents new beginnings on the horizon. Before new life can be born, it must first undergo the process of gestation and growth in a quiet, secluded, and dark space.

How can you mindfully and compassionately release what is no longer needed?

This practice may be difficult, but it is key to self-compassion, self-mastery, and self-transformation. Strength is forged by directly facing the darkness and light within. While embracing all aspects of who you are, also embrace the process of shedding what no longer serves you. Rebirth and transformation can only happen once there is a dying to old thoughts, emotions, habits, and behaviors. At the end of the death/decay process is new life waiting for you, which encompasses the human experience.

Enjoy the Fall Equinox and be sure to share the blog with those who are affected by stress and/or seasonal depression.