Autumn Equinox

Time brings us at the point of balance of the Autumn Equinox – one would say the Middle way. I wonder whether these points of energetic balance, where light and dark are equal, become access points through which we can move deeper into, and closer towards, the pulsating rhythm of the universe and into our own true nature.

It seems to me that at this time of the year the pull to turn inwards and the willingness to release are greater, following nature’s teachings and beautiful example, as the leaves start to drop and dormice go to sleep (apparently they spent more time asleep then awake as they hibernate for at least 183 days – 9 months in some cases!)

There is a sense of inner growing that I find quite exciting and weirdly fulfilling. My resolve to stay true to my intentions is stronger and my ‘To Do’ lists start to be populated with several creative and self-work activities. I do like writing lists, but mostly I like the feeling of completing each item and crossing it off the list.

I like to strike a balance between the

things that need to be done and the things I enjoy doing (I guess once an Occupational therapist, always an Occupational therapist). On both of those counts this involves both tasks that are inwardly and tasks that are of the outside. As such, building in time for extended practice periods takes priority but I stay mindful to carve out time for time of connection with others, to be social, to have fun and enjoy the company of others. Both speak to the ways I like to care for myself (more on self-care in the previous two posts).

It’s the balance of the inner and the outer worlds – my teacher used to say this is the task to master: to cultivate and attend to both, inner and outer, equally. It’s also the balance between things – a fatherly advice from my teenage years, which I still follow, to keep “everything in balance”.

How do you find your balance? Is it a familiar ground or does it take effort to get there? I will leave you with this recorded practice for balance and release from a previous online session, for those times that a little bit of extra support is needed - enjoy!