In Ottawa, we’ve had a long and sunny October and early November with many options to be outdoors.

So, an article I planned to write weeks ago about the transition from summer into fall energies got lost outdoors, until today.

With snow on the ground and winter peeking from just around the corner It’s certain we’ve all noticed some sort of seasonal shift. The uplifting energy of summer and those long daylight hours are gone for this year and its time to settle into fall. But what does it all mean?

I find transitioning into fall can be energetically tricky, so if you’re feeling a little out of wack this is fairly normal. We tend to cling to our summer habits and in doing so can leave ourselves open for a let down as summer and early fall energies wane.

What’s interesting about shifting from summer into fall is that we naturally understand what to do and yet may procrastinate in the fading glory of summer or even fall.

If we look at Indigenous or Traditional Chinese customs, we see how they transition across seasons in a purposeful and ceremonious way. Even the farming community seems to listen with a fine-tuned ear better than people living in cities. They follow their calendar along with moon patterns and focus on elemental change. They look at seasonal change as good, helpful and necessary.

If we procrastinate and hold our focus on summer too long, it is like planning to run a marathon without preparation and can lead to significant feelings of unbalance.

Unbalance can be dealt with quickly if we move into flow with the season and adjust as needed. Or, the transition can be difficult if we struggle unaware or unwilling to adjust our clock to the season.

Believe it or not, we are much more intuitive than we think, often struggling only because we are more removed from tradition than our ancestors. So let’s look at what can get us on track!

 

Here are a few things I’ve learned and have helped me transition into fall and early winter.

 

1. Let nature, the earth, moon, and stars guide you into the season.

When you spend time outdoors, you will naturally feel more in step with the season.

2. Befriend the shorter days, noticing what they have to offer.

By acknowledging every moment as a gift, we can be grateful in the shorter, darker days of fall. Explore and embrace the newness hidden around you, seeing “all” that is available.

3. Relax and get more sleep.

Regardless of your pace in life, allow for more sleep and notice how much more energetic you feel. Find adequate “downtime” and don’t feel guilty if things on the to-do list fall behind.

4. Exercise, but reduce the intensity and allow more time for recovery.

Take it easy at the gym. You may need longer warm-up and cool-down periods and more time between reps and workout sessions. As cooler temperatures impact your body do more stretching without pushing too hard. When outdoors, try breathing through your nose as this warms the air for the lungs.

5. Sense “earth” and/or “metal” element and see what they mean for you.

In Indigenous and Chinese traditions, fall elements are in some respects preparing us for winter and asking us to deal with sadness and grief along with other emotions. Take the time to investigate your emotions and honor what they are speaking to you about. You may sense your lung capacity change during the fall season.

6. Eat seasonally, letting your diet shift to foods that ripen in the fall.

If you do some quick research on fall foods, you’ll notice that the lightness of summer staples has, for the most part, left the diet.  Food for fall is heavier and hardier and can easily be overlooked as we cling to summer eating habits. This was less of a problem when produce could not be brought out of season to our tables. Fall food is also very grounding after being up in the ethers all summer.

7. Dress for the weather.

As temperatures drop, ensure to wear warm clothing. Be especially careful to cover your head and neck. The neck and throat area needs to be covered from cold and wind as it’s an important passageway for air to our lungs, our spine and nervous system, blood flow to the brain and many other energetic pathways.

8. Have a daily energetic routine.

Have a daily practice that brings natural energy into your body. This helps to keep energy levels up throughout the fall and winter months without relying on coffee or other stimulants that can impact health and sleep negatively. Sometimes called “Chi” or “Prana” there are many ways to boost your life force energy.

Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga are just an example of how movement and breathwork can bring Prana into your body to enhance natural energies.

9. Mediate.

Mediation (whether guided or silent) and other quite practices are great ways to get the creative juices flowing for your indoor/outdoor projects. Being calm also strengthens the immune system and creates positive moods and outlook.

10. Get involved with the traditions of the season.

There are so many activities that come to us in fall and it can really boost our energy and mood when we get involved. Having even a small get together to celebrate Octoberfest and attending a Christmas Bazar can be very uplifting. Planning in advance gives you something to work toward and look forward to.

By Tom Kelly