As the earth shifts into autumn and the vibrant energy of summer begins to settle, there's a quiet invitation in the air—one that calls us to slow down, breathe deeply, and come home to ourselves. It’s a season of transition, a time to turn inward, slow down, and get grounded. I love the chilly (aka "sweater weather") mornings that are now among us. Holding that warm cup of tea and feeling the chilly morning air against your skin. You may start to notice that your palette is shifting as well-maybe you are starting to have a craving for warmer foods like soups and crock pot meals.
For those of us who live in rhythm with the seasons-who nourish ourselves with organic foods, lean into mindful movement, and honor the ebb and flow of energy-fall offers a sacred pause. A time to turn inward, reflect, and root into practices that support our well-being from the inside out.
The Wisdom of the Season
In Ayurveda, fall is governed by the vata dosha-dry, cool, light, and mobile. It’s a time when the wind picks up, the leaves begin to fall, and energy can easily become scattered. If you’ve been feeling a bit untethered lately, you're not alone.
To balance this airy energy, we’re called to ground-through routine, nourishment, stillness, and ritual.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about aligning with less-refining our energy, simplifying our routines, and making space for deep nourishment, both physical and spiritual.
Daily Practices to Root Down
Here are a few intentional practices to help you stay grounded and present during the fall transition:
1. Nourish with the Season
Fall is harvest time. Fill your plate with warming, grounding foods: roasted root vegetables, soups, stews, and warm teas with ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Favor cooked over raw, warm over cold. Choose organic, seasonal produce whenever possible.
Let your meals be more than nourishment-let them be meditation. Eat slowly. Chew your food fully. Give thanks for what the earth provides.
2. Deepen Your Yoga Practice
As the days grow shorter, your yoga practice may naturally shift. Now’s the time to move with intention. Choose slower flows, grounding postures and longer holds. Think: child’s pose, forward folds, legs up the wall.
Incorporate more pranayama-especially practices like alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) or ujjayi breath-to regulate the nervous system and bring balance to vata energy. Most of our breathing tends to be quick, shallow breaths, so inviting long, deep breaths is crucial for deep relaxation and stillness.
Let your mat be a place of refuge, not performance. Use your practice to check in with yourself and how you are feeling, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
3. Root in Ritual
Fall is an ideal time to create (or return to) rituals that bring comfort and clarity:
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Start your day with warm lemon water: Instead of rushing through your morning, start with drinking a warm beverage, take your time. Notice the warmth in your hands, the aroma, the first sip. Let it be a moment of mindfulness.
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Evening candle lighting: As the days get darker, try lighting a candle at sunset. It can symbolize warmth, presence, and the small comforts of home.
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Daily abhyanga (self-oil massage): Use warm, organic oil to massage the body, which helps calm the nervous system.
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Nature walks: Even a 10-minute walk through a park can help regulate your nervous system and bring you back into your body.
- Digital detox moments: Try designating one hour a day (or one day a week) with no screens. Use that time to read, cook, stretch, or simply rest.
These rituals don’t need to be elaborate. Small special moments. What matters is the intention behind them.
Inner Reflection: What Are You Letting Go Of?
Just as trees release their leaves, fall invites us to release, too. What are you ready to let go of-physically, emotionally, energetically?
You might ask yourself:
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What beliefs or patterns am I shedding?
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What am I harvesting from this year-what’s working, what’s not?
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What do I want to bring into the darker, quieter months ahead?
Journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence with these questions can reveal powerful insights.
Creating a Cozy, Grounding Home Space
Your home is your sanctuary-especially during this transitional time. Create a space that feels like a warm embrace. Think soft textures, warm lighting, grounding essential oils like vetiver, cedarwood, or frankincense. Minimize clutter and make space for rest. For more on how to create a sanctuary in your home, visit my previous blog post here.
Your outer space reflects your inner state. Let your environment support the peace you're cultivating within.
Honoring the Sacred Shift
Fall isn’t just a change of weather-it’s a shift in energy, in perspective, in pace. It's a sacred turning point in the wheel of the year.
This season, let yourself unravel gently. Root down, nourish well, and stay close to what truly matters. When we move in harmony with the rhythms of nature, we remember that we are nature-wild, cyclical, and always coming home to balance.
What rituals will you create or return to this season?