We are heading into the thick of autumn. The nights are drawn in – complete darkness at 4pm. When one walks outside in nature, the earth takes on a cacophony of colour, supplied by a great carpet of fallen, crunchy leaves. The trees take on a darker hue, a skeletal frame. Nature is drawing its energy in – pulling it in close and going to sleep. It is letting go – shedding what it no longer needs, so that come spring, it can create life anew. Stronger. Fresher.

It is a natural time for reflection. For taking stock of what the year has bought. Of what we have created, or not created. For how we have grown. This is a time to release the pressure of giving and creating. To go within.

This has been an incredible year of change. Drastic, dramatic. There has been intense suffering and intense celebration. This has been a year when people came together to resist the ineffective status quo. To press for change. 

It has also been a lonely year for some people. We have been cut off from the blessing of human touch. We had to adapt and find new ways of socialising. 

Some of us thrived and some floundered with the new way of things. Some of us have been on a continuing loop within this spectrum the entire time. I have been one of the latter. 

I have given in to the arms of apathy and despair in the morning and risen anew with motivation, hope and joy in the evening. I have cried and laughed in equal measure. I have withdrawn into isolation, licking my wounds, for one moment and the next have found the strength to give succour and solace to my fellow brothers and sisters on this Earth.

I feel the energy of the closing year within me. I feel it ending energetically. Spiritually. Emotionally. 

It feels exciting. Renewing. It is also subdued. Quiet. Uncertain. 

Some tools for us during this time:

Prayer

Meditation. 

Writing.

Painting.

Some rituals:

Bathing in salt water.

Safely burning old thoughts and ideas.

Walking in nature.

Clearing out of any items we no longer need – giving them away and thanking them for their blessing.

Some questions (ask yourself these questions gently, with compassion and love. It’s been a very difficult year for us all):

What came into your life that gave you joy this year?

What came into your life that broke your heart?

What about these situations made you feel this way?

What did you learn about yourself?

How did this feel?

What beliefs about yourself/life do you want to let go of at this time? Why?

What beliefs about yourself/life do you want keep? Why?

What about your dreams? Look back on the beginning of the year – what were your dreams then?

Did you get any closer to achieving them? 

Which ones are still important to you and ignite you with passion and inspiration?

Which no longer resonate? Is it time to let them go?

How will you do this?

I welcome your comments. If you want to share in a safe space, come and join us in my Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/477524106372089

Download my book Sowing the Seeds of Change here:

Much love always.

Much peace always.

Stay safe.

Lucy Loizou

Image Credit: Daily Express