As the days get shorter and the nights get longer,
Fall reminds us to wind down,
To slow down,
And invites us to go inward.
During this time,
Nature shows us the importance of letting go.
Trees are dropping their leaves.
Old,
Rotting fruit is falling to the ground,
Creating more space for something new.
Today we're going to reflect on what it is you're ready to let go of,
And what are you ready to make space for.
So when you're ready,
Get comfortable.
If you're seated,
Put your feet flat on the ground.
You can also be lying down for this practice.
And when you're ready,
Gently close your eyes.
Let's just start by taking a deep breath in through your nose,
And exhale out of your mouth.
Deep breath in through your nose,
And exhale out of your mouth.
Deep breath in,
And exhale.
And as you continue to breathe,
Start to settle in your body.
Start to invite your body to soften,
To relax,
To let go.
Imagine a tree out in front of you.
And this tree represents your life.
Just notice what the tree looks like.
If it's a fruit tree,
Does it still have fruit on it?
Does it still have fruit on it that's ready to drop?
Is your tree starting to lose its leaves?
Is it a young tree,
A mature tree?
Does it look strong and healthy?
Or are there some areas that need to be pruned,
Taken care of?
What are you holding on to that's no longer necessary in your life?
Is there something that you're ready to let go of,
But maybe there's a bit of hesitation?
Maybe there's some fear?
Maybe it's been a part of your life for so long that you don't know how to live without it?
Is there something in your life that's weighing you down?
Something that every day when you wake up you dread?
So imagine that those things are on this tree.
How do they look on the tree?
How is it affecting the health of a tree?
And make sure you're still breathing.
Deep breath in and exhale.
Imagine that you're able to remove these items,
These things from the tree.
So imagine yourself picking off the dead fruit.
Imagine yourself pruning the tree,
Cutting off dead branches.
And as you're doing this,
Just notice what comes up for you.
Notice if there is any sadness,
Any anxiety,
Any resistance.
And just remind the fear that by letting go,
You are creating new space.
You're opening up the possibility of new opportunities.
You're helping your tree be focused on what you really want to grow.
Healthier,
Stronger.
And as you're letting go of the old,
We're going to give gratitude to it.
It has taught you so much about yourself and others.
And for so long,
It has served you.
It has helped you to survive,
To stay safe,
To protect you.
And let it know that you are ready for something new.
You're ready to be more open.
You're ready to receive,
To feel lighter,
Happier,
To feel excitement again.
You're ready to feel more vibrancy.
You're ready to grow.
And as you step back and look at your tree again,
Is there anything else that needs to be cut off,
Taken off?
Anything else that your tree needs?
Some water,
Some food,
Fertilizer?
Whatever it is,
Do that for your tree.
And now,
Feeling lighter,
Clearer,
I'm going to invite you to set an intention for the fall.
What do you need during this time?
How can you feel better supported?
And let's take a deep breath in and exhale.
Deep breath in and exhale.
And last one,
Deep breath in and exhale.
And just take a moment to give yourself gratitude by allowing yourself to release and feel everything that was coming up as you were letting go,
As you were creating new space.
It's not easy.
It takes courage.
When you're ready,
You can gently open your eyes.
I'm wishing you a beautiful,
Restful,
Nurturing fall.
May you continue to take time to slow down and reflect.
Sending you so much love.