These are indeed trying times.  There is so much uncertainty and anxiety all around the world at the moment, that it is hard to avoid feeling a little fearful.  Right now, more than ever, we must find ways to keep our vibration lifted.   We are seeing big changes in many areas of our lives, with lots of unknowns about how things will be after the whole COVID-19 has passed, so it is understandable that there are a whole range of emotions arising for each and every person.

While it is important to allow yourself to feel whatever is there for you, it is also important to remember that you do have a choice about what you focus on.  What you focus on will grow, so be sure to take some time each day to put your attention on something positive, to help balance your emotional state in these uncertain times.

Today I invite you to reflect on the seasonal energies of our beautiful country, to allow you to tune more into the natural rhythms of mother nature, that are also within you.  This is something we know for certain right now.  Something that we can rely upon amongst the madness.  Something that we cannot take for granted as it is the very core of our foundations.  Something that will support us if we choose to tune into it.

The world in balance
The Autumn Equinox occurred in the Southern Hemisphere last week, on March 20th.  Equinoxes are a time of balance, when day and night are of equal length.  At this time of the year, the balance is about to tip towards winter and we will begin to see nights become longer than the days.  The more active, expansive and light-filled days are now behind us as we begin our journey into the cooler, less active and more dormant times of winter.

Now is the time to pause and reflect on our lives, take stock of where we are and what we need to do in order to more fully embrace the silence of the winter months.  It’s a time to see what areas are in balance and what areas are not, and what you benefit in letting go of in order to create greater balance as you move forward.  This could be something physical (clearing out the garage), or it could an area of life that has been out of balance (too much work, not enough play), or it could be a belief or behaviour that you have outgrown, whose time has come to be released, so you can truly step into your full potential.

As Autumn is traditionally the time of harvest, now is also the perfect time to reflect on your own personal harvest and what you have to be grateful for in your world.  Especially with all the uncertainty that is going on all around us right now, it really is important to consider all that you are thankful for.  If you find it difficult to find something, then step outside and take a look around.  We are absolutely surrounded by magnificent beauty in nature, so even in the darkest of times, it can be uplifting to go beyond our mind-based reality and go and observe with gratitude nature’s immense beauty, or simply breathe the fresh air that is provided for us and have gratitude for that life-giving force.

Over the coming months we will be turning more and more inward as we approach the winter solstice in June, the longest night of the year.  The more we can lighten the load now, letting go of that which is throwing us off balance and the more we can acknowledge the beauty and wonderful things in our world, the easier it will be to hold a higher vibration in the darkest of times.

Autumn Equinox ideas:

• What areas feel out of balance in your life?
• What action can you take to help create greater balance?
• What belief or behaviour would it be useful to let go of now to support you moving forward in your life?
• What are three things you are grateful for in your life right now?

• Limit the amount of media you watch on the current situation.  Yes, it’s important to stay informed, however, excess consumption (like anything!) will make you feel overloaded.  Limit news time – the emotive language alone can trigger the stress response, so try not to immerse yourself in it all day.
• Boost your immune system by upping your Vitamin C – this can be as simple as eating an orange each day, or adding some lemon juice to warm water.  If you have Vitamin C supplements, it can’t hurt to increase your dose for the time being.
• Inflammation can weaken the immune system, so it’s best to avoid sugar, chocolate and alcohol (and wheat for many), as these foods can cause inflammation.  Limit dairy foods as they can produce mucus.
• As the temperature drops, focus on foods that nourish the Lungs and Large Intestine, the organs associated with Autumn according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Pungent foods are said to cleanse and protect these organs, helping to disperse mucus and stuck energy.  Try adding some chillies or peppers to your meals, or include turnip, ginger, or radish.  Beta-carotene rich foods, such as carrots, pumpkin, broccoli and parsley are also good at this time.
• Take a walk in nature – it helps to clear the mind, warm the body and release any stuck energy, as well as boost your lung health.
• Be aware that everyone will be reacting to these times differently and everyone is feeling vulnerable.  It is important to have compassion for the different responses you see and hear, even if the fears presenting are different from your own.  Remember to be compassionate to your own reactions also.  These can change so frequently and that is ok. You are not a freak – in fact, I would be concerned if you weren’t having ups and downs right now, as I think you would be in some kind of resistance to your emotions!!  It truly is a unusual time of existence and we don’t necessarily have the tools or experience in how to deal with this, so practicing compassion and being authentic is so vital right now.
• Be sure to reach out to friends and family at this time.  Absolutely everyone is impacted by these unprecedented times and everyone needs to know they are not alone in all of this, including you.
• If you have some free time on your hands, go ahead and explore that thing you’ve always wanted to!  Start learning an instrument, learn a language, sort your photos, read that book you haven’t gotten around to, get creative.  Things will change…we will resume work and activities, but for now you have a little more space to just be….

‘When nothing is certain, anything is possible’ – Mandy Hale