I try to remind myself that every ending is a new beginning.
Of course, I know in my head that Summer will be here again before you know it, and that there are many more warm sunny days to come before Old Man Winter knocks upon our door. Yet, as a child of the Sun I can find myself a bit wistful and introspective in early Fall. I do enjoy the change in season, but I also have to get in gear for a different and needed shift energetically.
My Girl Summer is a party animal with a full “bring it on” kind of vibe. Fall, on the other hand, says “wait a minute, slow down, shift and reflect.” You can probably guess whose camp I want to hang in!
But, we all know that too much heat, intensity and late nights can take a toll on our health, so I’m very grateful for this natural call to turn inward and sit still a bit more.
Fall asks us to listen, to wait, to watch and to be mindful of the transition. Everything is changing and preparing for the coming dormant deeper stillness of Winter. This is the natural order of the cycle, as it should be. Even so, Autumn can harbor an emptiness that can leave us exposed and vulnerable.
In Ayurveda, the Science of Life, Autumn has characteristics of dry, rough, windy, erratic, cool, clear, and subtle. The Vata dosha prevails in the Fall and balances best with characteristics that are opposites of rough, dry, cool, windy, erratic etc.
For good health, in the Fall season we need to balance our energies with more stability, warmth, groundedness, early to bed and rise routines, deep nourishment, and loving relationships to self and others. Fall is the perfect cooling period after a long hot summer.
Nothing can stay up forever, everything must come down, even the Sun has to rest a little, it seems. I know rest is where our batteries recharge, and then we become ready again for the next cycle. May we allow ourselves to Fall with Grace into this softer, less intense time.
If seasonal shifts are hard for you, try investing in routines that ground and support you. Take care of what nourishes you on a deeper level. Learn to give and receive and know when to just listen.
It’s a great time to come into community and gather inside again. Get on your yoga mat and build your immunity, lower your stress, and enjoy time in reflection. Embrace the season with stability, humility, and gratitude.
May the energy of Fall feed your Soul,
– RuthAnn
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