Mindful Living: A Connection of Mind, Body and Spirit

The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon, will fall on September 23, 2023. It is the end of the harvest season and a time to reflect on what we have grown and gathered during this turn of the wheel or reap what you have sown.

Because it is an equinox, it is also time to examine balance in your life. Balance is not something we achieve once and remains a constant. Our lives are fluid so the balance of the season of our life must be fluid. Many of us approach balance as something to be achieved and then it is completed.

Balance is to be constantly reexamined because our personal needs, plus the demands and needs put on us by outside sources are always changing. Part of our mindful living is acknowledging this and adjusting the balance between filling our inner well and meeting our outward demands as often as necessary.

This can mean pivoting our day due to the demands of work, school or children. An emergency or unexpected event can cause us to pivot and reexamine our current time and resources. Once we treat life as fluid instead of fixed we become less influenced by our expectations and more able to live in the moment. This ability will can make handling the changes in life much easier to manage.

One of the many ways to celebrate this season is with apple picking. Aside from many wonderful varieties being ready for harvest. Apples have a beautiful history in culture, lore and mythology.

Simply cut an apple horizontally across the core and you will see the seeds form a star. When you do this perhaps use the seeds as a focal point and do the Five senses mindful awareness moment. It is a great way to ground and connect with the present. It also is a way to fully appreciate our bodies.

 

 

Five Senses Mindful Awareness (aka 5-4-3-2-1-1)

What are five things that you see around you?

What are four things you can feel?

What are three things you can hear?

What are two things you can see?

What is one thing you taste or like the taste of?

What is one thing you like about yourself?

Since the end of Summer marks the transition from carefree days and social activities after work to schedules filled with school, work and social activities practicing our circular breathing meditation is a good restorative exercise to ground us. Circular breathing is long slow steady breaths with no pause between the inhale and the exhale. Inhale, count 1, 2, 3, 4 Exhale, Count, 1, 2, 3, 4, repeat.

Another great breath meditation is the alternate nostril breathing. This helps balance the left and right sides of the brain, calm the nervous system and align the chakras.

• • Bring your hand to your nose, with your index finger hovering over the left nostril and the thumb hovering over the right nostril.

• • Press the thumb against the right nostril to block it and inhale through the left nostril

• • Use the index finger to block the left nostril, this will mean both nostrils are blocked. Hold for two seconds.

• • Release your thumb on the right nostril and exhale, pause for two seconds after the exhale

• • Keep the left nostril closed, inhale through the right nostril. Pause for two seconds

• • Open the left nostril, close the right and exhale, hold for two seconds.

• • Repeat

Circular breathing is a great way to restore balance to the body. Balance is something that always needs to be assessed and shifted. How we balance our lives in the heat of summer is not the same as the shorter days and colder weather.

What do you need to balance in your life for the next few months? How can you bring the lessons of the fullness of life and harvest to this next turn of the wheel? Does the change in season bring a natural longing for rest? Walks in nature? A drive to see the leaves change? What calls to your spirit?

Collecting the final harvest is an optimal time to make a Fire Cider. A remedy of sweet vinegar and herbs used to boost the immune system during the winter months. Those who enjoy cooking and experimenting with herbs may wish to add turmeric, ginger root and rhizomes for warmth. Edible rhizome crops include asparagus, hops, rhubarb and lotus. Mulling spices and spices such as nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon add warmth to the season.

Another way to celebrate the season is with mulled cider or wine, wassail and a fire. Invite friends and family to bring a favorite appetizer and beverage with the intent to just sit, be and share stories, music, games and laughter.

Colors of orange, red, yellow, gold and brown compliment the season. Candles or LED candles add warmth and coziness to your environment. Red, yellows, golds and browns add depth to any rooms décor. On clothing they invite an air of regal authority or groundedness and dependability depending on the shades your wear.

Citrine, Garnet, Topaz, Smokey Topaz, and Lemon Quartz add to the air of balance, healing and mindfulness when worn or in your environment. If you wish to continue adding in shades of green there is a variety of Green Garnet or Peridot that would be perfect for the season.

Mindful living doesn’t have to be complicated. It is about being aware of the moments you are in and connecting to your authentic self. When you are connected to yourself then you can create a life that you truly enjoy living.

Blessings

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About the Author:

Irisa MacKenzie joined PaganPagesOrg in 2022 writing the Mindful Living: A Connection of Body, Mind and Spirit column and book reviews. Irisa has taught meditation and mindfulness for 25 years. Her blog irisamackenzie.org continues her discussions on mindfulness, meditation and living a purpose driven life.

Viking Woman Creations has eclectic creations for authentic self-expression. Our holistic services support meditation and mindfulness practices plus the magic that support our body, mind and spirit connection to the Universe. Viking Woman Creations is a small woman owned new business that will be growing over the coming years. Please look for us on Instagram and Facebook.