Trigger warnings: death, rebirth, change, COVID-19

The Fall Equinox is upon us. For me, fall is a time to slow down and reflect. The vitality and energy of summer is coming to an end, we see leaves change color, the air cools, reminders abound of life and its cycles. When I lived in New York, I loved those first few days when the air started to cool and you could feel the change coming. The sudden nip in the air, the changing colors of the leaves, the small but significant signals of change. Of death, decay, but also rebirth, revitalization.

Whether you’re an astrology fan and believe in the celestial or not, the equinox has meaning for many. Historically, fall has been the season of harvest, one of slowing down and reaping in the efforts of what you’ve sown.

It is a time to reflect.

The Fall Equinox also signals the start of Libra season. As a Libra myself, perhaps I find more meaning in this time than others. Libras deeply value a sense of balance, and the equinox represents that, in its own way. A change of seasons, light to dark, long summer days that shrink down to a more equal balance between day and night.

This balance between light and dark, day and night, connects to our psychological need for balance and harmony.

What lessons can we learn from the equinox?

2020 has been hard, y’all. We have been forced, on a global scale, to confront the reality that little is truly in our control. I often find myself reminding clients (and myself, really), that 2020 and COVID-19 have been a lesson in impermanence for us all.

Many of us find comfort in living in the moment, not questioning the future. Some of us are planners, we thrive on lists and plans, organizing things yet to come to make sense of the future. COVID-19 and this seemingly never-ending pandemic have ripped that away. The present and the future, neither feel safe.

“the world is burning, once again. uncertainty stumbles into us around every corner we turn every day. i am convinced that what we do now matters. how we embrace being now matters” – afrose fatima ahmed

This equinox, let us reflect on the lessons the past six months have taught us. Let us take a moment to reflect on time and the lessons it has to teach, and grieve for what it can take away. We can all learn to appreciate balance. To embrace being, as my friend Afrose says.

So, what can we do?

Grounding and mindfulness are our friends in a time of change. Take this opportunity to look inward, and reflect – what keeps me balanced? Where is the light in my life? The dark? Where am I feeling gratitude, grief? Write a list of gratitudes, listen to a guided meditation, take time out of your day to journal your thoughts, and embrace being.

There is beauty to be found in the breakdown.

I leave you with this quote from the inimitable Pablo Neruda, and the hope that this equinox brings light, positivity and perspective to you all:

“Perhaps the earth can teach us, as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.”