It's dark in the mornings and that makes me SAD - The Autumn Equinox: Embracing Change and Light in the Darkness
As we approach Mabon, the autumnal equinox, many of us notice the mornings getting darker. It's common to feel a shift in mood as the seasons change, but it's important to recognise that we have the power to shape our response to these natural cycles.
When we say, "It's dark in the mornings and that makes me SAD," we're expressing a powerful but potentially disempowering thought. While it's true that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real condition affected by changes in light, we don't have to be passive victims of the changing seasons.
The autumn nights drawing in is an inevitable part of nature's cycle. Just as the Earth transitions, so can we. Instead of grumbling about the darkness, we can choose to find beauty and opportunity in this seasonal shift.
Mabon teaches us about balance and the importance of both light and dark. It's a time to reflect on the year's harvest and prepare for the introspective winter months ahead. We can find harmony rather than resistance by aligning ourselves with these natural rhythms.
Top Tips for Embracing the Autumn Season:
1. Light Therapy: Invest in a light therapy lamp to mimic natural sunlight, especially in the mornings.
2. Mindful Mornings: Create a cosy morning ritual. Enjoy a warm beverage, light candles, or practice gentle yoga to ease into the day.
3. Outdoor Time: Make an effort to spend time outside during daylight hours, even if it's just a short lunchtime walk.
4. Seasonal Eating: Incorporate warming, seasonal foods into your diet. Think squash soups, roasted root vegetables, and warming spices.
5. Gratitude Practice: Start or end each day by noting things you're grateful for, focusing on the unique gifts of autumn.
6. Creative Pursuits: Use the longer evenings for indoor hobbies or creative projects you've been wanting to explore.
7. Social Connections: Plan regular meet-ups with friends or join a club to maintain social connections as the weather cools.
8. Mabon Celebrations: Participate in or create your own Mabon rituals to honour the equinox and feel connected to the natural world.
9. Cosy Home Environment: Make your living space a warm, inviting sanctuary with soft lighting, comfortable textures, and autumn scents.
10. Mindset Shift: Practice reframing negative thoughts about the season into positive or neutral ones. For example, "The darkness allows me to appreciate the sunrise more fully."
Remember, while we can't control the seasons, we can control our response to them. By choosing to embrace the unique qualities of autumn and the wisdom of Mabon, we open ourselves to growth, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature's cycles. This season isn't making you SAD; it's offering you an opportunity to find light within yourself and your surroundings, even as the external world grows darker.
