Take a look outside. What do you see? While the weather may still be warm and sunny, the great outdoors is undergoing a transformation as summer relaxes into autumn. The trees are changing colors and losing leaves. Mornings are cooler and night falls more swiftly. There’s plenty of change in the air.
The Fall Equinox usually lands in September, signifying the official shift from summertime to the cozy and crisp vibes of fall. Even if you live in a warmer climate, you can still mark the equinox with special rituals designed to find beauty, peace, and gratitude in the changing of seasons.
Harvest good vibes with a gratitude practice.
Give thanks for the bounty of the summer and the many fun experiences you enjoyed from June to August, and set intentions for what you’d like to bring to fruition in the autumn. A new season is the perfect time to reflect on what you’re grateful for in life and what you’d like to bring forth as the year moves to a close. How can you be more present in your day-to-day? If you have a long-term goal in progress, how can you make moves to accomplish it by the end of the year?
If you can, take time on the evening of the equinox to sit quietly outside and write down three to five things you’re grateful for and three to five intentions for the season. These could be related to your home life, career, or relationships with others or with yourself. You don’t have to think too deeply about it; be genuine and consider what’s possible to bring to life as the seasons change. Think of it as “harvesting” the good things in your life to cocoon you through winter.
Find better balance in your life.
Equinox means that there’s a perfect balance of light and dark, day and night. Can you cultivate similar balance in your life? While you reflect on gratitude and intentions, meditate on how you can be a more balanced version of yourself. Can you reframe your relationship with work? Take time for self-care, exercise, or relaxation?
Clean out your space.
You probably mark the shift from winter to spring with special cleaning projects, like washing your windows and changing closets from sweaters to sundresses and shorts. Do the same as summer fades into fall; let blankets and rugs air out in the cool air, open the windows to let the breeze in, and freshen up anything that feels stale and stuffy. Wash and air out your fall coats and sweaters, treat boots with leather conditioner, and fix any snags or holes in scarves and hats. By preparing your home for the forthcoming season, you’re welcoming in the weather and preparing for its many changes, not to mention bringing fresh energy inside.
Get outdoors.
Lace up your hiking boots, find a corn maze or apple orchard, or cozy up in your backyard with a blanket and good book on a cool weekend morning. No matter what you choose, get outside and enjoy the colors and atmosphere of autumn.
Prep for the winter season.
The beginning of fall is the perfect time to stock up on immune support supplements. Think of yourself like a squirrel harvesting nuts for winter, except you’re focusing on your daily wellness so you can take advantage of all the goodness to come.
Find joy in change.
If you struggle with changing weather and darker days, try and find the light whenever possible. When the days get darker faster, consider investing in a light therapy (or SAD) lamp to help mimic the sun’s rays and brighten your outlook. Find inspiration in the changing season; remember that the trees will bloom again and that this is part of the natural cycle of life, but it’s not permanent.
Find connection with your nearest and dearest.
Celebrate the transition from summer to fall with the people who bring you joy. Start a new yearly ritual by throwing a dinner party or bonfire and establish traditions that you mark year upon year to encourage growth and togetherness. Consider writing down something you’d like to leave behind and throwing it into the fire or going around the dinner table and sharing gratitude for each other. Whatever you decide, navigating a transitional period is so much easier with your support system nearby.