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nature’s rhythms

  • … and let go of everything that is ready to go.

    Autumn is the time of year when Nature urges us to release our hold on that which no longer serves us. Clinging to the old uses a lot of life-force energy and often prevents us from moving forward.

    See how the trees simply drop the leaves after they have completed their time together?

    Winter is coming and that is a time for rest and restoration. That can be more easily done when we aren’t dragging a bunch of decaying matter with us, be it beliefs, emotions, habits, or relationships.

    What’s one thing you can release in order to make more space for your true self to emerge?

    Me? I’m doing a closet clean out AND committing to taking the bag(s) of culled items to a donation center by the end of the month.

    It doesn’t need to be complicated or arduous. Maybe start with that pile of paperwork cluttering your desk or the ubiquitous kitchen junk drawer. Your future self with thank you.

    Be Like a Tree

    … and let go of everything that is ready to go. Autumn is the time of…

  • Today marks a turning point in which night and day are balanced.

    In the northern hemisphere, summer turns to fall, and in the southern hemisphere, winter turns to spring.

    Where I live, the days are getting shorter and the weather cooler. I love it! Sweater weather is coming.

    Regardless of your relationship with this seasonal shift, it’s happening. No amount of bargaining will change the fact that the wheel of the year keeps on turning.

    I find that the more aware and attuned I am to the seasons, the more harmony I experience in my life.

    We can all benefit from aligning ourselves with the rhythms of Nature. What’s one small act you can easily do today that will create more balance in your world? Perhaps it’s curbing frivolously spending or taking a break from a busy workday.

    I very much enjoyed this free breathwork meditation on Insight Timer. It’s only ten minutes long and applicable wherever you are on the planet.

    https://insig.ht/lmTzInwxSWb

    Every step in the direction we wish to go contributes to our health and happiness. Something as simple and accessible as practicing equal breathing techniques can have a profound impact.

    Even one mindful breath can help. Join me now. Bonus points for an audible sigh on the exhale. Aaaaaah.

    Happy Equinox!

    Today marks a turning point in which night and day are balanced. In the northern hemisphere,…

  • Today marks the official first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. Here in Philly, we’ve had a few weeks of warmer weather already and the first-to-bloom flowers are out in full force. I love how they pop up out of last year’s leaves decaying on the forest floor.

    ‘Tis the season for spring cleaning. I’m not feeling the usual pull to wash the windows and sweep the baseboards. The green juices and cleansing herbs aren’t appealing to me this year either.

    What I’m really sensing is an urge to clean up my calendar. Where am I wasting time? Frittering it away in 3 minute chunks of absentminded scrolling? How do I spend my precious energy in ways that aren’t fulfilling or are downright detracting from my life-force?

    I’m interested in cleaning up my energetic output and that requires a brutally honest assessment of impulsive and unconscious behaviors. It helps to know what I truly value and how that time might be better spent. I have a date with my journal to explore how I’m investing my priceless attention and how to maximize my returns.

    Side note: we’re entering the light half of the year. Many are cheering the longer days, higher temps, and upcoming summer season. For all the weirdos like myself who prefer the darker, colder months, it helps me to remember that I’ll enjoy the fall so much more after having experienced the heat and humidity of August.

    I’m attempting to adapt more gracefully to the rhythms of nature and it all starts with my attitude. So, dear summer, I know you’re coming and I’m going to do my very best to make friends with you this year.

    Wherever you are, in the world or in your preferences, I wish you a peaceful transition on this day that is such a powerful turning point.

    Happy equinox!

    Happy Equinox!

    Today marks the official first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. Here in Philly, we’ve…

  • The wheel of the year keeps turning. Today, those of us in the northern hemisphere pass through a gateway into autumn.

    In both northern and southern hemispheres, we have a tipping point, a brief moment of equilibrium, balanced parts light and dark.

    I find that these quarterly days of transition are a great time to recalibrate my efforts. Periodically reviewing my degree of integrity, clarity of vision, efforts and outcome can provide great insight.

    I like do an internal inquiry and inventory, reflecting on my larger story arc.

    Here are some of the questions I ask myself:

    Where am I starting from?

    Where do I wish to go?

    What is holding me back?

    What do I need to prepare?

    What do I need to let go of?

    What guidance have I requested?

    What guidance have I received?

    How can I be more receptive to all forms of support?

    How can I harmonize with the energies of nature?

    I spend some time allowing the insights and lessons to bubble up. I keep my antenna up for the following days, noting anything that trips my Spidey senses.

    This is an exercise in patience and trust and familiarity through repetition. It’s more of an undoing than a doing, a sort of getting out of my own way.

    If you’d like to take it a step further- celebrate with a meal, perhaps including some local fare. Bring home a pumpkin or some kooky gourds for your doorstep. Uncover the sweaters and sweatshirts from storage. Stand outside for three consecutive minutes breathing in the aliveness of autumn.

    Honor the turn of the seasons with your attention and appreciation in any way that makes sense for you. And watch as your alignment with nature’s rhythms eases the way.

    Approaching landing while enjoying the expanse of Michigan forests and the edge of Lake Superior

    Happy Equinox!

    The wheel of the year keeps turning. Today, those of us in the northern hemisphere pass…

  • Here in the northern hemisphere, today is the shortest day of the year. Or the longest night, depending on your perspective.

    This is a winter event that affects us all equally. The sun shines every one of us the same, regardless of what other holidays we may or may not celebrate.

    Join me in lighting a candle to honor the darkness and to acknowledging that it too will pass. If you can carve out some time for rest, restoration, and reflection your efforts will be supported by the universal energies of the season and will help ease the transition as the days begin to lengthen.

    I was lucky enough to get out into the sunshine to visit the trees and the babbling brook in my neighborhood. I can’t imagine any better medicine for a cold, winter day. I’m wishing you whatever medicine will best feed your soul and a joyful solstice wherever you may be.

    Happy Solstice!

    Here in the northern hemisphere, today is the shortest day of the year. Or the longest…