AUtumn the space in between

Autumn is a liminal space, throughout the world and through history people have observed, adapted, and celebrated the change of the season from the life of spring and summer to the quiet darkness of fall and winter. Both Spring and Fall are liminal spaces in our year, filled with big shifts in energy. If you’re like me, you can feel the change in the air. The colder temperatures, the shorter days, but also that subtle shift in the feeling of the season.

For me this fall is super significant, I began my lease in my own office space! Which is a huge change and in the space in between it gets really uncomfortable. Stepping out on my own is huge and is filled with so many new lessons I’ve learned and will learn along the way. It only seems fitting that I celebrate this change with a Harvest- themed celebration for my open house. For over a decade I’ve been working towards this and I’m still not done yet. But I am so ready to celebrate and express my gratitude towards each and every one of the people who have crossed my path on this journey.

I love the quote that “Fall is proof that change is beautiful.” It reminds me of the beauty of transformation and gives me hope that when I let go, what’s on the other side is more beautiful than I can imagine. This year has been a year of trust, boundaries, and stepping outside of my comfort zone and I’d love to invite you to reflect on your year so far and celebrate the things you have accomplished, no matter how small.

Celebration is SO important for us. We need to take time to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment. Especially, when we’re in the midst of change. Improvement is not always the goal, and to be perfectly honest the biggest shifts I’ve had in my own spiritual, emotional, and mental growth have been when I get quiet and soften towards the parts of myself that are struggling.

Coping with the Season of Change

In Ayurveda, autumn is Vata season. Both have the qualities of cold, dry, light, irregular, and mobile. Vata and autumn are all about change so it’s important to create grounding practices for yourself. Check the following list for support during this Liminal season.

1. Energy Audit

   The first step is always to observe. Before you prepare for any action, take some time to really look at how your life has been going, what habits you have, where you feel you’re leaking energy. If you want some more guided practice download my energy audit by filling out the form below, or sign up for the next Energy Audit Workshop!

2. Create some Micro Restorative Moments (MRMs) for yourself

   Now create habits that are regenerative so you can plug up the holes where you’re leaking energy. Some of my favorite MRMs are drinking tea and listening to yoga nidra meditations before going to sleep, eating protein with each meal, and drinking plenty of fluids (I usually prefer tea and herbal infusions over plain water), and using natural body care products that are doing double duty with nourishing my skin and being cost-effective.

3. Create a Consistent Cycle or Routine for yourself

   This is much less about scheduling out your time minute by minute and more about creating routines around events in your day. I am absolutely not good at filling in a planner and sticking to my timelines. I function much better when I have consistent groups of actions. For example, I will lump together pieces of my checklist. (Like writing this blog post when I write my email or brushing my teeth while I’m showering). This is all about finding out what works for you and making your environment fit those needs, so that your body and mind can get used to the routine and feel more grounded throughout the day.

4. Work on Self Boundaries and boundaries with others

   Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries is absolutely the foundation for healing. Without boundaries, there is no energy left for you and none for the things that matter most to you. Healthy boundaries help give you space between your reaction and your response. They allow your nervous system to settle and trust that you’ve got your best interests in mind. I suggest taking a look at where you feel resentful and begin to think about how you might not be holding a boundary with yourself or others. Resentment is your body’s way of communicating the missing need of self-worth and prioritizing your own needs.

5. Nourish Your Self Deeply

   Along with setting boundaries, we need time to rest and repair. This is the last hurrah before winter. Divert your energy towards self-care and getting ready for the cold. Nourish your body deeply with easy-to-digest foods, drinking lots of nourishing tea, find ways to make your home more cozy, declutter, and let go of things that are no longer serving you. Spend time with people who fill your buckets. Give yourself permission to rest. Then when winter does come you’ll be so much more prepared.

Also, this time of year begins the holiday season, which can be a difficult time for so many reasons. Strengthening your own body, mind, and spirit is so helpful. Take time this season to reach out to your community, join a new group, or start a new tradition.

The main objectives of Autumn are to gather your energy, create routines so you can deal with the often unpredictable changes of the seasons, and nourish deeply in preparation for winter. Slow down reflect on your year, celebrate your wins, and create healthy habits for yourself. If you want more guided help enter your information below to receive the Energy Audit Workbook or sign up for the next Energy Audit Workshop.