What Does the September Equinox Mean for Self Care?
Seasons Change, and So Do We
Autumn is a bio-psychologically important time of the year. The remarkable season change reminds us of the importance of self-care, of nestling down and preparing to rest and recover. However, the autumn months have a down side particularly in the UK. At this time of year Seasonal Affective Disorder, and consequences of depression and suicide, is highest owing to the decrease in daylight. So we need to be more proactive about our self care.
Science of Colour Therapy
Looking at the research behind colour therapy, I believe that the warm colours of the autumn leaves and colourful sunsets are nature’s way of combatting the depression induced by the decrease in daylight. Concepts from physics, such as Einstein’s electromagnetic theory demonstrate that chromotherapy affects the electromagnetic body (aka aura or energy field) around the body, which then transfers energy to the physical body. This makes chromotherapy an extremely effective therapy.
The colours, both in light form and base form, we perceive spark off electrical impulses in the brain and magnetic currents cascade throughout our body that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body, that either stimulate or calm the body’s processes to maintain balance.In base form, warm colours, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, are activating by increasing blood flow and stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin, which are the ‘happy’ hormones.
Mindful awareness of the season change is a useful self-care practice.
When you step outside take a moment to look up and around, take in the colour you see and appreciate the beauty of nature and how it is looking out for you. You can try one of my favourite techniques, which is a meditation on sight. Focus your attention on a magnificent tree that is rich in reds, oranges, and yellows. Follow the rhythm and flow of your breathing as you allow the impact the autumn colours has on your mind and body wash over you. Turn the corners of your mouth slightly up as if you are about to smile.
Try this for 15-20 min at the same time daily to begin to feel the benefits.
You can check out some of my free meditations on the Insight Timer App
Meditation is an Important Part of 'Self Care"‘
Mindful awareness and meditation are a highly effective self-care practice. Raising awareness and listening to what your body is saying to you and responding in healthy ways is a great way of looking after your needs. We make the mistake of believing our being is immutable and constant because of our need to depend on things. But if we accept the law of impermanence, that nothing stays the same, we, and our body’s change with time, we can respond better to our needs. Practicing mediation – giving yourself the space to sit and just ‘be’ rather than be constantly doing and thinking something all the time is way of washing our mind like we do our body. Our brain needs up to one hour a day to just sit and do nothing in order to process and make sense of the day. By switching off the thinking and ruminations, we are giving our mind the opportunity to consolidate memories, put things in their rightful place, and find a sense of peace with who we really are. By letting go and accepting, we find peace and stillness in this ever-changing world.
The Magic of The September Equinox
The rituals and celebrations surrounding the equinox act as a reminder for us to consciously to shift gears from high performance to rest and restore. Rituals are extremely effective symbolic behaviours that consciously and subconsciously coaxing your mind and body into experience immersion. It is a beautiful time that helps us to accept the law of impermanence though the beauty of the season changes.
November 12-18th, 2018 is Self Care Awareness Week