Happy Fall Equinox! Leaves are turning yellow and red, falling on the ground like confetti. It’s time for fall! I’m Hannah Telluselle and this is The Source Podcast, your source of inspiration and good things. Today, we’re focusing on our transition into the season of fall.
The Fall Equinox marks the day when day and night are equally long here in the northern hemisphere, before it becomes darker earlier and our daylight dimmers. This is because our planet now is turning more away from the sun. On a practical note, this means that it’s soon time to wear long sleeves and a warmer coat. It will rain more and we will most likely get a storm or two pulling off all the leaves of the trees. And just like the spiritual saying goes to not fight the dark with dark, but with light, this becomes the time when we might light some candles in the evening and pull up a blanket in our couches, to have it cozier and warmer. We’re going indoors.
In Chinese Medicine, the fall season is symbolic for the natural element of metal and associated with the lungs and large intestines. The lungs, to breathe in more crisp air and let go of any sadness and grief stored here. The large intestines, to let go of the old and any excess food. With the colder air, comes more inspiration and a renewed focus to sharpen our minds like metal, to learn and create new things. This also is an opportune time to investigate how you can create more life balance by schedule time appropriately and balance your activity level with rest. A good way to start, is by writing down what you have spent your time doing the past week. Then see any patterns and decide whether anything can be changed, moved to a different time, delegated to someone else, or to get help with doing. This is true both for becoming more efficient in the workplace and at home. Efficiency isn’t only about achieving and performance, but to choose the right things to do, when and how, for the best outcome.
Another thing, that fall is a good timing for, is to prepare for winter. Think of all the squirrels collecting their nuts and making their nest comfortable. We should do the same. Preparation takes out some of the stress, whether that is to have an umbrella handy, before the rainy season begins, or to have some root vegetables at home to make a good soup with. It can be to buy some tealight candles, to order some books to read, download music and movies, and to gather ingredients that can be stored and even prepare for a storm with flashlights, batteries and a radio. It can be to go through your wardrobe and put away your must summery items like dresses, shorts and bikinis, as well as baskets and flipflops. I simply put mine in a different closet and go through my sweaters, cardigans, leggings and boots to see what I have and what I might need to buy. There’s something very satisfying to have what we need when it strikes. To be warm when it becomes cold and to have mittens ready. What can you prepare for the fall? In your wardrobe and in your kitchen cabinet and freezer? And how are you going to plan your time during the months to come?
Then curl up with a cup of tea and let yourself sift through your emotions. Perhaps you feel some grief or need to let go of something heavy. What is that for you?
Go for a walk, even if it rains. Just bring an umbrella or wear a raincoat. And do go for a walk in the sun too of course, while it lasts. Breathe in the refreshing air and let it clean your lungs. Let yourself become filled with good energy and practice being present, whether that is to appreciate what you have accomplished at work and your home, or go all in to notice how nature is changing. Maybe you can even find some wild mushrooms and pick some apples!
And, get some much-needed sleep. Cooler days and nights make for a better sleep than in the hot summertime. Give yourself that.
The next episode of The Source Podcast is published on September 29th, to honor our food and lessen the waste. Tune in on September the 29th, to get a life coaching tip about valuing food.
To listen to this blogpost as a podcast, find The Source Podcast on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
