The Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox is a time to release and create space for new growth.
As the warmth of summer fades and the crispness of Autumn begins to fill the air, we arrive at the Autumn Equinox, a moment of perfect balance between light and dark. This natural turning point invites us to pause and reflect. Just as the Earth prepares to transition, we too can use this time to release what is weighing us down and make space for fresh energy and new possibilities.
Mirroring Nature
In Autumn, trees show us how to gracefully let go. They shed their leaves without hesitation, instinctively following the rhythm of the seasons. By allowing their leaves to fall, they create the conditions for rest and renewal. There’s no clinging to the old; they simply release and trust in the cycle of life.
This is a powerful lesson for us. What would it feel like to let go of the things we’ve been holding onto? Whether it’s outdated ideas, limiting repeated thought patterns, unhelpful habits, or unresolved emotions. Nature reminds us that this release is not an end but part of a natural process that creates space for something new to grow. As Rumi poetically said, “Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.”
The Art of Letting Go
Letting go is not always easy, but it is a practice worth cultivating. It asks us to trust, to accept that not everything is meant to stay. Often, we hold on out of habit or fear of the unknown. Yet, when we choose to let go, we free ourselves from unnecessary burdens, creating space for new experiences, relationships, or perspectives to come into our lives.
In yoga, this process can be mirrored through the body. As we move through poses, we learn to soften into them, releasing tension or resistance. Grounding postures, such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana), help us connect with the earth while encouraging us to stay balanced and present. Similarly, deep forward folds invite us to physically and mentally surrender, releasing what we no longer need to carry.
A Simple Letting Go Meditation:
Find a quiet space to sit comfortably. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you inhale, imagine gathering up any thoughts, feelings, or attachments that feel heavy or restrictive. As you exhale, let them go. Visualise them gently falling away, just like autumn leaves, leaving behind clarity and space.
Making Space for New Growth
While the equinox is a time of release, it also offers us a chance to prepare for new beginnings. Just as the soil becomes richer after the leaves fall, we can use this time to plant seeds of intention for the future. What new ideas, goals, or habits would you like to nurture over the coming months?
It’s important to acknowledge that this process takes time. The seeds we plant now may not bloom immediately, but by clearing space, we allow growth to happen naturally. Consider what you want to invite into your life—whether it’s a new creative pursuit, a healthier mindset, or a stronger connection to yourself and others.
“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” Eckhart Toille.
This period of balance reminds us that both letting go and making space are equally essential to our well-being.
Trust in the Process
Just as nature moves through cycles of change and renewal, so do we. The Autumn Equinox offers us the opportunity to step into this natural rhythm, to let go of what no longer aligns with who we are becoming, and to create space for the new.
“There is an art to letting go. It’s about opening your hand, and your heart, trusting that life will place something new, something needed, in the empty space.” May Sarton.
This season, embrace the chance to release, reflect, and trust in the unfolding process. You may be surprised by what begins to grow in the open spaces you create.
If you’d like more information on anything yoga please contact me or book here to practise with me in Marlow, and online.
With love
Anney xx