I had a wonderful time playing the Native American flute at Unity Church of Fairfax, Virginia celebration of the Fall Equinox Sept. 20.
The chaotic times of summer and rapid growth means lots of changes — some loss and some gain. What's next? Fall is the time of harvesting, and also the time to take stock of what you harvest.
An equinox is an astronomical event during which the plane of earth's equator passes the center of the sun. The Astronomical Almanac defines it, on the other hand, as the instance when the sun's apparent longitude is 0° or 180°. The two definitions are almost, but not exactly, equivalent. Equinoxes occur twice a year, around March 21 and September 24.
Fall is the fourth and final major sun cycle of the year and it means a time of changing focus and direction in your life. From the Equinox, your consciousness moves slowly inward as the nights lengthen and the days shorten.
Follow your natural inclination to turn inward and you'll find the wisdom, riches and inspiration for your next cycle (year) ahead. If your “harvest” this past season is not what you hoped, now is the time to reflect, find your balance and look within yourself to see what must change to assure greater health and well-being in the coming year.
These photos represent one traditional Native American celebration honoring Mother Earth at the close of summer and the ending of the annual sun cycle. We now enter the Winter Solstice, which marks the new year’s beginnings, with New Year on January 1st designated as the day of change to the new.
So what does this all have to do with your personal health and well-being? Everything. For all too many, personal health and total well-being seem impossible, in part because they have failed to recognize the wisdom of our ancient people. Rituals can play an important role for those who seek total well-being in mind, body and spirit. Simply drumming or striking a bell in a rhythmic pattern can calm nerves, clear your thinking and center your spirit.
“Amazing Grace” Sample
Click here to hear Richard play “Amazing Grace” on the Native American wood flute from his CD, “Holy Moments,” which is also available for purchase.
Changing old habits, attitudes and behaviors that are keeping us stuck in repetitive, self-defeating patterns are often at the core of poor health and block our good intentions to live well. Why not create your own “harvest tradition” and a ritual to renew your commitment to total well-being?
Consider these photos of a recent celebration of the past health victories, and the pledge to turn our lives and wills over to the care of our loving God as sacred promises.
Together, call on God to give you the strength, will and energy to live well, one day at a time. Then, to your family and friends and our planet: We hope you dance!
Aho!