The Autumn equinox is a time of transition, as we move through the next few months preparing us for a time of deep rest and nourishment in the cycle of the year. A time of balance between the light and the dark and the contrasting energies in each of us. Accepting all these parts as integral to who we are, necessary in our growth and our becoming over our lifetime. Resting in the ground of holy hereness, honouring where you find yourself right now – at this time in your life.
We are also moving through a time of harvest, as we witness and celebrate the growth of the seeds we may have planted in the spring, witnessing this miracle of creation. A time of gratitude for these miracles, for being here and also for the ways we are supported.
The Autumn is also a time that we consider shifting our self care regime, honouring the changes in the season and allowing ourselves to live in resonance with our natural world. Our self care routines are a way to build our own self trust. When we show up for ourselves, it changes us. We question ourselves less, we hear our own voice as important, and we thrive – so we can be who we truly are in the world. If we can’t trust ourselves and listen to the wisdom within us, then what’s the point. This life is not a dress rehearsal. Take time for yourself, everyday, honour yourself and show yourself the gentle care and love I sense you offer out so easily. It has to start within.
Contemplative and introspective practices, including quiet time in nature, gentle movement, meditation and yoga, will allow us to work with sensations in our bodies and patterns we witness in our mental and emotional bodies through the changing seasons. Through these practices we learn to trust ourselves, we learn what self love feels like, and we also start to understand what is necessary to put down and no longer carry forward.
I have been quiet for the past year, out of necessity. Honouring my own self care needs and offering myself love so I could heal. This year I have traveled through the darkness cancer brought me, and also through the light. I am so grateful for the ways I have been held in community, and for the ways I showed up for myself. This is how we heal, and this looks differently for each of us – healing is not a cookie cutter recipe for everyone, it starts with listening within.
I sense it has been an intense year for many, I feel that. It’s important to mark transitions in a way that has meaning and makes sense for you. Autumn is a time in the cycle of the year that is so potent for marking these transitions in our lives. We shed the layers we need to shed, we acknowledge who we are now, we give thanks for the growth and the healing, and we prepare for yet another cycle.
During this chaotic time in in the world, we are all being reminded of how precious life is, can we hold ourselves and eachother with kindness and love in these changing and vulnerable times. If perhaps you don’t feel that, then let me remind you how precious and fragile life is – and that you matter.
I feel through my cancer journey I have been opened to a deeper calling of greater service to a world that desperately needs gentle places and healing hands. Together we build our resilience, we can support one another to soothe and strengthen our nervous systems and to take time alone and together in community – honouring the need for balance.
I no longer want to be resilient. I don’t want to simply bounce back from things that hurt me or cause me pain. Bouncing back means returning to where I stood before.
Instead, I want to go beyond the hurts and the darkness. The first step from genuine healing . . . when I came to trust and believe that there was a beyond.
Now I reach for beyond every day, in every encounter, in every circumstance. I seek to go where I have never travelled.
I wake with the vision of a purposeful day, filled with adventures and teachings.
Then I take the first step and try to make it beyond.
– Richard Wagamese
I look forward to meeting you in the beyond.
With So Much love
Amber
Congratulations on your successful journey. I thought if anyone I knew would beat the beast, Amber…it would be you. Both Linda and I have faced the “C’ beast and came through. For me, however a new beast has come over the horizon! I have been diagnosed with vascular dementia and this beast seems to be indestructible, however science is making headway. However, I am not going to let it determine how my life finishes. We have lots of travel plans and I plan to choose how my end comes. I am OK right now and my memory and word recall is a nuisance, but that is where I am now. Your travels have been an inspiration two me and I look after myself and continue to do so. Kee the good vibes alive! You are much inspiration to me and from the moment you passed by and then quickly returned with a glass of water to help a bad cough, I saw you as an angel and that has never changed. I am sure you are an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to meet you!
Thank you Ron, for taking the time to write and share with me……..I send you love on your journey with vascular dementia. Please know I hold you in my prayers, and YES, keep choosing life, you are very supported and loved. We never know what’s around the corner and it’s a matter of having a healthy perspective with what cards we are handed. I will always remember our time together, with gratitude in my heart.