The fall season is an opportunity for us to let go of what is no longer serving us.
Many trees in nature sprout lush green leaves that eventually change color and then eventually detach from the tree to make room for new growth.
Nature is the macrocosm.
Our bodies and minds are the microcosm.
We are connected to nature,
Whether we choose to believe it or not,
And we are made up of the same elements.
This means that we too have the capability to release what is no longer serving us.
A habit,
An attachment,
A relationship that is emotionally weighing us down.
Releasing what is no longer serving us is what makes room for new growth.
Find a quiet place indoors or outdoors,
Sitting or laying down on a blanket in the grass,
On your porch,
Or in the comfort of a quiet room in your home.
Just make sure to find a spot that is comfortable for you so you aren't moving or having to adjust your position too often during the practice.
If you are sitting up,
Place your hands on your knees with the palms facing up.
If you are laying down,
Place them at your side with the palms facing up.
Gently close your eyes.
Begin by taking a deep breath in through your nose and sigh it out through your mouth.
Again,
Take a deep breath in through your nose and sigh it out through your mouth.
Repeat this one more time.
Start to settle into the earth beneath you.
Feel its stability.
Feel its stillness.
Feel its grounding energy,
Like a gentle magnet pulling you closer.
Listen to any distant sounds around you.
Notice if you can hear any sounds of nature,
Birds chirping or the wind blowing.
Now bring your attention to your physical body.
Notice any tense areas.
Your neck,
Your shoulders,
Your chest,
Your lower back.
Pick an area that feels tense to you right now.
Take a deep breath in and breathe it out,
Visualizing the tension being released out with your breath.
Watch it float away,
Out in front of you,
And watch it dissolve.
Using the same spot of tension,
Or if you choose to pick another spot,
Do this same visualization.
Take a deep breath in and breathe it out.
Watch it float away,
Out in front of you.
Go ahead and repeat this a few more times on your own.
Now take a moment to think about something you are ready to let go of and release.
Notice any emotion that it carries.
Take a moment to feel this emotion in you.
Feel it.
Now take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale.
This time,
Watching your breath exit out your entire body.
Down your chest,
Your abdomen,
Your legs,
And out through the bottom of your feet.
Watch the breath of this emotion transform into a beautiful,
Colorful leaf.
Colors of yellow,
Orange,
And red.
Watch it float away from you and back down to the earth.
This leaf will soon decompose and become nutrients for the earth and its new growth.
Again,
Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale.
Watching your breath exit your entire body.
Down your chest,
Abdomen,
Legs,
And out the bottom of your feet.
Watch it transform into another colorful leaf.
Watch it float away from you,
Down to the ground,
And back to the earth.
Go ahead and repeat this a few times on your own.
Take in the colors around you.
Take a moment now to notice how you feel.
Perhaps you noticed a release of some leaves today.
Just one,
Or none,
And that is completely okay.
Repeat this exercise throughout the fall season whenever you feel a particular emotion build up within you.
It may be the same leaf needing support,
Or it may be a new one.
Either way,
You are making progress towards creating space within you for new growth.
Thank you for practicing with me today.
Namaste.
