The Autumn Equinox

On the 22nd of September we celebrate the Autumn Equinox here in the northern hemisphere. This, together with the Spring Equinox, is the date when the Earth is in total balance. Today, day and night are equal in length in both hemispheres. This is a reminder of our need for inner balance.

 

 

What is required?

Time management may be needed to balance work and family life.

Task management may be necessary to balance our personal needs with taking care of others.

How about decluttering?

This is the time of the year when trees start shedding their leaves to conserve resources for the winter. Getting rid of surplus, unwanted stuff makes life easier to manage both practically and emotionally. Donating clothes or utensils to the less fortunate also helps them prepare for the gloomier days of winter.

 

Thousands of years ago, millions of humans would now be preparing for the cold, dark days of confinement and isolation. They would stock up food, wood, supplies. What was this year’s harvest? In lessons learned, experiences, accumulated wisdom and growth? In achievements and successes?

What do we need to preserve for the months to come? Which friends, work associates, exercise routines or eating habits will help us maintain our health and energy?

Back in history, when central heating was not an option, humans turned to their domestic animals for comfort and warmth. This could be a good time to adopt a homeless animal and make it through the winter together.

The Autumn Equinox is the beginning of a new cycle of nature’s death and rebirth. What do we need to let go so that we can be reborn? Regrets, grudges, self-loathing, resentment, fear? 

In the winter resources are scarce. Animals will soon hibernate to conserve energy. To an extent, it is time for inaction. What do we need to refrain from doing in order to preserve our precious energy levels? Toxic relationships, destructive habits, unsafe practices, indulging in self-pity?

We mimic nature and today nature is telling us to pause, take a step back and rebalance.