September: Harvest, Reflect & Release
Hello Brave Community!
As we move into September, the energy shifts towards harvest -- both literally and metaphorically. This time of year invites us to appreciate the fruits of our labor, reflect on the journey we've taken, and prepare for release.
Just as nature transitions from the busyness of summer to the introspection of autumn, we too, are called to slow down and take stock of our inner landscape. September is a time to honor our efforts, celebrate the growth and abundance in our lives and begin acknowledging the mindsets, relationships and patterns that are no longer serving us.
As the days grow shorter, many people experience a natural slowing down in their energy and productivity levels. The change of season may also stir up unresolved emotions, inviting you to confront what is no longer helpful or needed.
If you've been looking for a way to grow in your spirituality or connect to yourself deeper, allow September to pull you into the practice of balance. Balancing gratitude for your efforts during the growing season (summer) and the abundance in your life with reflecting on, identifying and making a plan to let go of your inner blocks.
If you'd like support in creating balance in your life, check out the next section on rituals for the autumnal equinox, or, reach out to us! We love guiding people to understand and release what's getting in the way of experience balance in their lives. Just email us at info@bravecounseling.com and we will be in touch ASAP!
Rituals for the Autumn Equinox
Mark your calendar! This year the Autumn Equinox is on Sunday 9/22.
During the equinox, the earth’s tilt is such that neither the northern nor southern hemisphere is tilted toward or away from the sun, creating a balance between daytime and nighttime.
The Autumn Equinox represents a time of balance, reflection, gratitude and transition as the day and night are equal in length, symbolizing harmony between light and dark, or external and internal worlds.
To help embody and not just think of these autumnal equinox themes, here are some ritual options for this special day:
1. Harvest Feast
Purpose: To celebrate abundance and community
How To:
Prepare a meal with seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, pumpkins and grains.
Invite loved ones to join you, or enjoy a solo meal with mindful awareness
Use the meal as an opportunity to reflect on the abundance in your life and share gratitude.
**Perhaps consider combining this ritual with either or both of the rituals listed below
2. Gratitude Ritual
Purpose: To express thanks for the abundance and blessings in your life.
How To:
Create a small altar with symbols of harvest (sunflowers, apples, candles, pumpkins, grains, leaves, crystals like citrine and/or smoky quartz etc.)
Light a candle and meditate on the abundance and blessings in your life
Journal or make a list of what you’re grateful for and either read these aloud or write them on pieces of paper and place at the altar to offer thanks
3. Balance Meditation
Purpose: To connect with the spiritual and emotional themes of balance inherent in the equinox.
How To:
Site in a quiet space and focus on your breath
Envision balance in your life or bring the concept of balance very clearly into your mind’s eye
Allow the areas in your life that feel off-balance to come to you and set intentions to bring harmony to those aspects of your life
Therapist Highlight: Amy Reid
Meet the amazing Amy Reid!
Amy is a Navy Veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Child and Family Therapy.
Her clinical background consists of helping couples, individuals, families, children, and adolescents address and overcome trauma, anxiety, relational problems, anger, infidelity, addiction, and life transitions.
Amy has owned and operated a host home for developmentally disabled adults empowering them to achieve greater independence. Amy also spent over a year studying with a Shaman where she learned energy healing and is adept in spiritual development and has certifications in Reiki and Munay Ki.
Amy is empathic, genuine, curious, accepting and creative in the way she works with folks. She takes a strength-based, client-centered and solution-focused approach and integrates various therapeutic methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Functional Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, Behavioral Activation Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Narrative, Existential Therapy, ABA, and Motivational Interviewing.
Amy enjoys working with...
Couples, adolescents, children, adults and folks with developmental disabilities
Anxiety, grief/loss, depression, ADHD, phobias, trauma, stress management, guilt/shame, self-esteem/ self-worth issues, family turmoil, relationship dynamics and communication breakdowns
Folks who are looking for increased independence, healthy coping skills, behavior modification and improved self-regulation
Amy as a person:
Personality: warm, non-judgmental and curious
Activities: enjoying the outdoors, specifically hiking, fishing, photography, camping and reading tarot and providing intuitive readings
Foods: lots of different things, but LOVES cherries!
Travels: Amy recently moved back to Colorado where she was born and raised after 4.5 years of traveling as a military family & working with military children and families in Japan and Alaska working with military children and families. She loved getting to experience different cultures by living in different areas of the world vs. just traveling.
Quotes:"Leap and the net will appear. - John Burroughs, and, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but rather by the moments that take our breath away" - Maya Angelou
Pets: Oreo (see picture)
If you find yourself drawn to Amy, send us an email and we will get you connected to her for a FREE consultation!