Fall is the season of transition from summer to winter. This transitional season can bring up a variety of thoughts and feelings including melancholy, abundance, gratitude, and turning inwards. Just as the seasons are constantly changing, life is also a series of frequent changes. The seasons can be metaphors for life transitions: Fall representing the end of one stage or phase, winter the pause or space between the end of one thing and the beginning of another, spring the beginning of something new, and summer the evolution of that change. The four sounds of the AUM that we frequently chant as part of our yoga practice can also be metaphors for life transitions. The sound “A” representing creation, “U” preservation, “M” transformation, and the silence at the end of the AUM the space that allows the opportunity for awakening to our bliss or true essence.
Just as the trees shedding their leaves signifies the end of summer and the beginning of fall, when we face life transitions we shed old patterns and routines to make space for transformation.
Here are some tips for transitioning with ease:
RITUAL – Experiment with rituals that resonate with you that can help you close the door on the past and open the door to your future. Rituals that you may consider for the fall transition may include celebrating the harvest, getting out and about to take in the foliage, or planting bulbs as you look forward to the next year.
LET GO – Once you have honored the passage from the past to the future through some form of ritual, complete any unfinished business that remains, and then allow yourself to move forward by letting go of the past. As fall arrives, you can embrace the concept of letting go by cleaning house, putting away your summer toys, tools, and clothes, and giving away what you no longer need.
SURRENDER – Give in to any feelings that arise from transitions. Rather than avoiding feelings that occur naturally (positive or negative) allow yourself to feel them completely. Through surrender, we can open up to rebirth. Fall can bring about many feelings. If you are feeling melancholy, ambivalent, or joyous about the transition of the season, don’t try to change or ignore these feelings, simply let them be, and observe them with a gentle curiosity.
YOGA – Through our yoga practice we prepare ourselves to transition with equanimity and ease. As we flow through postures, we practice smooth mindful transitions and use our breath to stay present with our current circumstance rather than residing in the past. We complete each practice with Savasana, or corpse pose, where we surrender to what is. Our chanting of AUM reminds us that life is cyclical and ever changing.
So, please join me in offering a fond adieu to summer, and offering fall a heartfelt welcome!
“Life is one big transition.” ~ Willie Stargell
By Katey Hawes, owner and founder of Posabilities, Inc., is a physical therapist, registered yoga teacher, and yoga therapist. You may find her at Facebook.com/posabilities4u, Twitter @Posabilities4u, and Google+.