I don’t know about you, but Autumn can really knock me off balance.

I love summer. I love being able to just grab my keys (and mask!) and kick on my sandals when I head out the door. I love sitting on our terrace with a cold drink and watching the sunset. Life feels easier and simpler during the summer. And just when I feel like I’ve really settled into my summer rhythm, the days start getting cooler, the nights get longer, and I have to figure it out all over again! When I add in the stresses that come along with living through a pandemic, changes in work, navigating loss and trying to stay human in this crazy world, I can easily get overwhelmed.
 
It’s very tempting to stick my head in the sand and pretend that everything is fine, to ignore or push away the rhythm of the planet; but fighting the laws of physics is generally an exercise in futility.

One of the things that helps me to regain equilibrium is a walk in the woods. I went to one of my favourite places recently, took in the beauty of the changing colours, and reflected on the many gifts that come with the changing rhythms of the earth. It didn’t take long for me to realize that it’s actually pretty easy to find things to love about each season.
 
As the earth changes its position relative to the sun, and shadows lengthen on the forest floor, doesn’t it make sense that my own shadow lengthens as well, and my inner seasons shift? And if I can see both the beauty and the necessity of nature’s transitions through autumn and winter, might I acknowledge that this shifting of the seasons within me is also both necessary and beautiful?
 
I love this idea, and at the same time it petrifies me, because it means letting go of an old story that has been firmly embedded in my nervous system. It asks that I pay closer attention to the messages I receive from my body and spirit, and to do so with curiosity and love instead of criticism and judgement. When I can tune in without shame, I can learn what gives me energy, what brings me joy and what feeds my soul. I also need to be attentive to the other side of the coin, and examine more closely what takes away energy, joy and love. Instead creating a list of dos and don’ts, I can take each day one choice at a time, one breath at a time, one step at a time. And I know that I will make some poor choices, but there are still a million more in front of me, and with each good choice I will get more confident and be more energetic, joyful and loving.  
 
What do you love about this time of year?
What are your strategies for finding balance as the seasons shift?
What choices can you make today and tomorrow that will nourish your body and feed your soul?