“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

This has been the year of years, and it isn’t over yet! But as we end another growing season, this is the time to take stock of all that we’ve “harvested.” After inventorying your growth and accomplishments, consider whether there is anything no longer needed or useful that your’e ready to let go of. The letting go process is such an important part of the natural cycle of life, and it is crucial to your rebirth.

Clean out your mind

Start by culling your thoughts because this is the domain where creative miracles are born. Everything we create was once a thought first. And if we want to manifest some future loveliness, there has to be room for that seed thought to take hold.

Fear, negativity, resentment and anger are not conducive to nurturing precious new seeds, or ideas. To germinate properly in the winter months, we need to prepare our current environments — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Meditation is one way to train and focus the mind, but cooking, dishwashing or vacuuming can be too if you have the right mindset and intention while doing these ordinary tasks. The point is simple. We create our experience with our minds first.

Reside in this moment

Rest, be still and listen to the wind or the birds sing. It is this ability to be totally present that is going to be helpful and healing right now. Try setting your phone alarm to alert you on the hour, and when it chimes at you, let this be your cue to take a minute for yourself. Create an affirmation or mantra that you say to yourself, such as “I am well, thank you.” This will instill a new habit that can bring huge benefits for you in the new season. It just takes repetition and practice.

Cultivating the most fertile “soil” for next year’s growing cycle is something to focus on and prepare for now. What possibilities lie ahead for you? What do you dream of having, being or doing next? Letting go of what’s not needed makes way for new growth.

Inspire new dreams

Coming up soon is Mabon — the autumnal equinox — on September 22. Mark this holiday in some meaningful way, to celebrate either by yourself or with others. Bring out the candles and oracle cards. Have a ritual to let go of something that is no longer needed or serving you anymore. You may want to write it down on a piece of paper and burn it or bury it in the earth as you acknowledge you are letting this go now. Write down a new wish, thought or affirmation on a strip of paper ribbon and tie it on a tree branch, either in your yard or on a nature walk. 

However you choose to do it, pay attention to this natural cycle of letting go and rebirthing. I’d love to hear what ideas you come up with.

Decide now to create your Gorgeously Healthy path ahead,

Gay