Embracing the Season of Change
The fall equinox is one of two days a year when the day and night hours are of equal length. It is a time of balance, and the equinox marks the beginning of Autumn. This seasonal shift offers a natural opportunity to reflect on the concepts of balance and change in our own lives.
Balance
We all lead busy lives, and achieving balance can often feel out of reach. If we aren't intentional about how we spend our time, it tends to get filled up regardless—there are always more tasks to complete and chores to finish. Sometimes, we may find ourselves scrolling through our phones or collapsing on the couch, feeling exhausted and depleted from the day.
To make time for one thing, we must often forgo another. Balance doesn't mean striving for perfection or aiming to split our time equally between work and home life. Instead, it's about spending our limited time on what we value most—making space for the people who matter to us and for activities that energize and fulfill us.
Change
Autumn reminds us that change is a natural and inevitable part of life. In the Pacific Northwest, we witness this all around us as the leaves change colors before eventually falling from the trees. It's a beautiful time of year, but also a powerful reminder that nothing lasts forever.
As humans, we often resist change—it can feel uncomfortable, and the uncertainty that comes with it can be unsettling. Yet, change is essential for growth, and the impermanence of life encourages us to pay attention to what matters in the present moment. Keeping our attention to the here and now can ground us when change is occurring, and can help manage the overwhelm that can accompany unpredictable events.
Practical Tips for Embracing Balance and Change
Mindful Reflection: Take time to reflect on your current life balance. What areas need more attention? Where might you be overextended? What can you let go of today to make room for what truly matters in your life? Use this season to recalibrate and set intentions for the months ahead.
Practice Letting Go: Identify something in your life that you’ve been holding on to but may no longer be serving you. Whether it’s a behavior, habit, or even a physical item, consider how releasing it could create space for something new. What can you let go of?
Embrace Nature: Take time to be outdoors as the season shifts. Find a way to fit this in your weekly routine. You can spend time in a garden or take a walk in your neighborhood or local park. It's widely recognized that spending time in nature can foster feelings of peace and clarity. Research studies have shown that it can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Cultivate Routine: Focus on creating daily rituals that support your mental health. What activities can you make time for? Consider spending a few minutes each day reviewing your schedule and blocking out time to exercise, meditate, or do another activity to take care of yourself.
