Fall's Promise

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

fluttering from the autumn tree."

Emily Bronte

This Thursday, Sept. 22, marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. According to the old Taoist Masters, the Fall Equinox brings a moment (yes, just one moment), of perfect harmony to the world; when the opposites of yin and yang are perfectly balanced and the Universe sings with perfect equilibrium. All is right with the world, as we move from the summer's extreme yang energy (heat, movement and light) to fall's more gentle yin energy (cooler temperatures, getting darker earlier, less activities). Unlike the Winter and Summer Solstices, where everything is at it's extreme, the Fall Equinox presents us with the opportunity to experience the perfect balance of the earth's energies, and bring ourselves into harmony with them.

Like a tree letting go of it's leaves, we too can use this the time of fall to let go of the past and allow ourselves to clear the space of our lives for new growth. Fall is a time of change and color, as summers heat gives way to autumn's chill, and it call's to us to slow down, look within, and let go of old ways of being. The Equinox is a perfect time to surrender everything that has been weighing us down and, through meditation, to cultivate the deep stillness and peace that is at the heart of an awakened life. Like the winds that blow during the fall, preparing nature for winter's rest and rejuvenation, we too can open ourselves and allow this time of year to prepare us for the calm and silence that December will bring.