The Autumnal Equinox is a time of liminal space. Where I live in Canada, it is the end of a time when the light is strong and the air is warm and the beginning of a time when darkness begins to take hold and the air becomes colder.
Those of us who follow an earth-based spiritual practice enjoy that space and often seek it out. We may enjoy standing on the edges of things because that is where magic happens. We may revel in the in-between spaces; the transitional times; the liminal times–and it is no wonder that many of us love Autumn.
The Autumnal Equinox is also a time of high energy and for some of us there may be a feeling of restlessness in the air, a desire to make changes in our lives, to begin anew.
Here is a simple meditation that may help you become more comfortable standing on the edge and can help you bring more balance into your life.
Stand up and take several deep breaths. What do you feel in the energy that is circulating about you? Is it calm and peaceful or is it swirling around? Do you feel comfortable in this energy or does it need some sorting?
Lift up one of your feet, or if that is not possible, lean a little forward until you are just slightly off balance. Feel the instability, but try not to fear it. If you need to tap your foot on the ground, do so briefly. Stay in tune with the energy. How is it affecting you?
Now, bring to mind something in your life that feels off kilter. Something that you’d like to change and gain some control over. Is it something affecting your physical body? Perhaps your food choices are out of wack or you need to bring more physical activity into your life. Are you in a relationship that may be out of balance? Do you need to spend more time in quiet meditation or other forms of self care? Really think about it. How is this imbalance affecting you? What are the feelings it brings to mind? Annoyance? Anxiousness? Fear? Lack of control?
Now, place your foot solidly back on the ground and stand straight. With your eyes still closed, feel the loving pull of mother earth’s gravity below you and imagine what you can do to bring more balance to this area or this thing. What are some concrete actions you can take to add more balance? How can you accomplish this? Is it possible to make a plan? Do you need the help of others? If so, how can you ask them for help?
Now take several deep breaths. Open your eyes and read this prayer:
As I stand on the edge
Of the dark and the light
I feel balanced and strong
I will set myself right.
I gaze out I gaze in
I take time to begin
To find truth in the spaces
That lie deep within.
I feel Mother Earth’s love
And accept her embrace
Love of gravity grounds me
And keeps me in place.
When you are done, take some time to journal or make of list of next steps.
Blessings of Balance to you!
Image source: Mabon greeting card by EarthStarStudios on Etsy.com.
