Happy Autumn Equinox! Autumn equinox is a time of balance where there are equal hours of darkness and light. This can affect people in different ways. If you are feeling restless or unsettled, take some time to write down what you feel and to be still, to meditate or be in nature.

An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the centre being in the same place as the Earth’s equator. It is a powerful time to honour the darker aspects of self, calling upon that which is without light and to bring light to these dark areas within. Our dark areas may represent that which we fear, often what we fear about ourselves, our shadow side and the illusions that keep us trapped into non-acceptance and non-love of our whole self, positive and negative. Remember that even our shadow sides, those parts we think are bad, have great gifts for us.

During the first half of 2012, Mars and Saturn are retrograde (when the planets appear to be going backwards). On March 12th, Mercury joins these planets by also going retrograde. When planets go retrograde, it creates an opportunity to shed light on and purify thoughts and patterns which are negatively affecting our health, attitude, beliefs and creativity.

It’s a time of thankfulness for the abundance we have in our lives. An attitude of gratitude paves the way for bringing more abundance our way. It may be things like “thank you for the baby birds which sit outside my window each morning” or “thank you for the people in my life who support me and love me for who I am.” It’s a good time to write down all that you are grateful for and to keep it in a place where you can see it. Even better, now is the time to start your gratitude diary and to write in it every day.

When we shed light on deeper aspects of ourselves, we create the opportunity to let go of that which no longer serves us. The prospect of change can really create a feeling of unsettledness and uncertainty, even sheer panic for many. I was speaking to a friend of mine and she was sharing with me how her heart was guiding her to make some changes which felt really good and “right” for her. In accepting and walking forward with the change, her human body went into a state of shock and she was left shaking and shuddering physically for days, even feeling like she was on a caffeine high, though she hadn’t consumed any caffeine. She spoke to her body and told it that all was going to be okay, until it settled down. I personally have experienced many a time when I have needed to change something and even though my heart knew it was right for me, my body reacted like a child throwing a tantrum. I have learnt to reassure my body my talking to it and telling it (sometimes out loud) that it’s okay, that this will be better for us. I tell my body that all is well and it eventually responds to this (though sometimes after lots of encouragement).
 
In change, there is always the opportunity for growth and whilst many may object to turmoil which often accompanies change, this is when beliefs and thoughts can be challenged in order to gain a deeper understanding and ultimate clarity. There is always positive and negative to each and every situation. When you see the whole picture and the higher perspective to situations, you free yourself from only one view and balance it out into neutrality. When one is in a space of feeling neutral, it does not mean that you have no feeling or emotion. It just means that you have more peace and have lost the attachment to the outcome. When we lose attachment to what we desire, then you not only re-connect back with spirit, but create the space for that which you desire or for something better to emerge.

The key to embracing change is to let go of fear. I would like to share some ways in which you can do this. Firstly, many people struggle with the thought of change and dig their heels in keeping things the same. I have observed the pattern of resistance in myself and in others and have found that by simply acknowledging the resistance that you feel helps you to move forward. So when you are feeling resistant and just don’t want to do something then rather try this. Close your eyes and breathe into your resistance. Feel how it feels and feel how your body holds the resistance. Feel your jaw clench and fists tighten, hear yourself possibly saying “I don’t want to do this”, and say it over and over again….until you can no longer connect with this feeling. Then you have moved forward. You will feel a greater sense of peace.

Another way of dealing with the fear is as I mentioned above, is to see the whole picture. As Demartini says, each situation has a blessing and a stressing. Write down as many positive aspects to the situation until you feel more peace in your being.
 
Often the mind will conjure up all sorts of scenarios as to what can happen with situations we resist or are fearful of. The next exercise is to conjure up all the worst case scenarios of what could possibly happen and then to feel the tension and fear in your body until this dissipates. Remember this is not real. Fear is an illusion. When you can acknowledge your fears, then it creates the space for you to step out of them.

The last tool I want to share with you is by distracting the monkey chatter mind. It takes 3 minutes to disconnect your mind from the destructive ego thoughts. When you are in a space of worry or fear, repeat a positive affirmation over and over for a minimum of 3 minutes and you will move into more peace. Examples of affirmations are “I am powerful,” “Peace,” “I let go and I let God,” “I am happy.” You can repeat this like a mantra.

Remember that only love is real. Love who you are and know that even the darkest aspect of you is serving you at some time. Love those around you as they are showing you all aspects of your magnificent being, light and dark.