The seasonal wheel is turning again, and today we’re poised for a brief stop at the Equinox. That point of balance before we rush headlong into the next cycle; before we fully step out of the old season into the new.
I like to think of myself as an intentional traveler through the natural cycles and rhythms of this world, my life, our seasons, the lunar cycles, our days. They all have a rhythm; they all invite us to pay attention, to listen, to step into the flow. But I think we’re always invited to begin with a momentary pause. It’s a chance to become present; to close out what has past and open the way for what is to is come.
I always find it helpful when I take the time to review. It somehow feels to me like I’ve more comfortably located my current place on the Map of Me when I take a quick look back to see the territory I’ve traveled through in overview. I believe our life is daily filled with signs and messages and delights that bring guidance and inspiration. But sometimes it’s the act of looking at chunks of these passages that lets me see patterns more clearly; helps me see how things are woven together in the most miraculous and astonishing ways; and sometimes I get a better sense of where I stepped off my intended path and what that unintended journey led to.
So a little review to get a sense of my current position and express gratitude for all that helped me get here, and then it’s time to move into the new passage, the new journey, the new doorway. But how much nicer is it when you pause right before stepping over that threshhold and remember to do it with intention? So that’s part of my ritual of navigating these seasonal/cyclical rhythms as well.
There are so many ways to do this and for me that’s always part of the fun. Deciding what feels right. Simple intention setting? Maybe just listening to the whispers of my heart is enough. But perhaps writing down some words and reminders is called for; or sometimes I create a piece of art; and almost always I set up an altar with specific touchstones that I use to focus my attention. I like simple ceremony and ritual because that feels anchoring to me, and I love creating things that are infused with my energy so that’s often the route I take. But that might be too complicated and too time-intensive for some. That’s where the right-fit part comes in. I always invite everyone, including myself, to honor what feels most supportive, most delicious, most authentically expressive. You get to choose how you move through your world. You are totally in charge of that. And the Equinox is always the perfect reminder to pay attention to balance. What pieces of your life are calling for more balance? What tweaks can you make? (Or maybe major changes are called for). This is a wonderful time to re-vision and re-energize.
The new journey begins. Where are you heading?
As I move into fall, I’m paying attention to this reminder from John Burroughs:
“How beautifully leaves grow old.
How full of light and color are their last days.“
Wherever it is you’re moving in this new season, I wish you blessings and I invite you to keep your eyes open to all the beauty and support and signs that fill the space around you.
Hari OM
Balance? Life has been very one-sided this year in the Mac Clanhouse; caring for a demanding father has meant losing any of the things which normally create balance in life. There is very little time indeed that can be said to be truly one’s own. That is the thing which needs to somehow be clawed back. It could be a while away yet…
Meanwhile, still breathing, still praying and still grateful for the little bit of balance brought from my blogging connections! YAM xx
Sorry balance is elusive Yamini. Caregiving is truly one of the most unrecognized challenges and unacknowledged challenges isn’t it? And certainly finding respite in these covid times is all the more difficult. I hope autumn brings you a bit more ease, and many many blessings.
I set my compass in December, and put PERSEVERANCE at this equinox/Michaelmas/western point. Now I’m smiling at my foresight, with another lockdown looking likely in the UK. It seems that we’re in this for the long haul. At the same time, I’m very aware that I’m in need of a rest, to stop, to breathe, to lie down. Keep going. But take care of myself. Balance, yes.
I love your practice Kathleen, and PERSERVERANCE does indeed seem a spot on choice. I hope you find the necessary balance and autumn unfolds with many nurturing blessings.
Balance is what I’m working toward–mostly of the spirit. I’m retired, so my time is my own, but I want to make the most of that and find ways to reach out, in spite of the pandemic. Last night I went back in time to read my blog archives which was interesting, and gave me perspective on how far I’ve come in relationships and healing.
Distance can be a very useful perspective shifter can’t it? I’m so glad you’re seeing the shifts you’ve made, and I hope you’re celebrating them. Wishing you all the best always Margaret.
Yes, that one moment of balance before the tilt of the earth on its axis once again. Lovely post Deborah, thank you and all happy Autumal equinox blessings to you.
Wishing you a bountiful Spring blessings Susan. May we navigate through these collectively challenging times with a measure of ease and grace, and find the light that always surrounds.
“You get to choose how you move through your world.”
That is a powerful idea and one I often forget. I agree that by taking a moment, minute, hour to remember that a new season is beginning, I find my own sense of purpose renewed in the context of the season. Awareness, always the answer, eh?
Always Ally. I hope you find lots of joy this autumn. I’m feeling reinvigorated after my blog world fast, and looking forward to seeing what unfolds.