Feeling Off? The Summer to Fall Transition
Mind Body Connection
For 13 years (or more), our young minds made the yearly transition from summer to school starting. As far as routines go, that is a very long time. So long, that it trained our brains and created a pattern. Whether we have children in school or not, even as adults we are well aware when that time of year arrives. And our minds remember the feeling and the huge shift in energy.
But the huge energy shift that happens when the human-made calendar signals “school starting” doesn’t coincide with nature’s calendar. Sure, we often label this time of year “fall”, but that is far from accurate. The fall equinox isn't until September 22nd, and many parts of the US don’t begin to feel the natures shift into fall until October.
So our trained minds feel this huge shift in energy, but our bodies (which are tied to nature) do not. Yoga often describes the “summer body experience” as outward-focussed. We have a heightened awareness of the beauty of the outdoors. Our bodies are energized by the sun in a warm and easy-going way. Our mood is naturally boosted not because of accomplishments, but simply because there are more outdoor hours. This is very different from the inward-focussed, ready for new accomplishments feel of “school starting”.
Because of all this, it is very common to feel like our mind-body connection isn’t in harmony during this odd time when the human-made calendar and nature’s calendar don’t mesh.
But do we need harmony? What if we, now fully aware of the clash, were able to take advantage of it instead of fighting it? What if we shoot for balance instead of harmony?
One idea is to use the summer vibe to help us prioritize rest. It’s so easy to get caught up in goal oriented energy, only to exhaust ourselves within weeks. But rest is literally right outside our door! Just a 15 minute walk or a 10 minute soak in the backyard sun can provide rest that will reward us later. Another idea is to go in fully aware of the conflicting energies. Be aware of the lure of inward-focussed energy, and counter it with the natural outward-focussed energy of summer. Don’t let yourself get buried by new goals and projects. Come up for a literal breath of summer air.
So let’s step into this calendar shift, fully aware that our minds are going one way and our bodies are going another. And let’s use it to find a middle-ground balance.
Until next time,
Laura
