A Blissful Life 9/16/25: The Balance Of Light + Dark: Welcoming The Fall Equinox
This week we arrive at a subtle but powerful turning point: the fall equinox. The equinox, which occurs when day and night are perfectly balanced, is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s nature’s reminder to pause, to notice the equilibrium before the light continues its gentle slide toward winter. For those of us who spend summers soaking up every golden hour, this moment can feel like a deep breath– the space between seasons when we’re invited to slow down and realign.
In the days around the equinox, you might sense the shift everywhere. Mornings are cooler, sunsets arrive earlier, and the ocean carries a different scent– earthier, and a little sharper. The fire and outward energy of summer begin to give way to something quieter and more inward. In traditional Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds to the metal element, which encourages clarity, release, and refinement. Ayurveda sees it as a vata time of year (dry, airy, and changeable). Both perspectives invite us to let go of what no longer nourishes us and to find steadiness inside as the outer world starts to contract.
Our bodies often feel this change first. You might notice dry skin, a bit of tightness in the chest or lungs, or a craving for heartier meals and warm drinks. Sleep patterns may shift; energy may dip in the late afternoon. Mentally and emotionally, this season can bring a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and fresh perspective. Like the trees letting go of their leaves, we too are asked to release: to shed habits, expectations, or even relationships that have run their course. There’s a natural urge to declutter... your closets, your schedule, even the mental clutter of too many to-dos.
Energetically, autumn is about gathering what we’ve grown and storing it for the months ahead. Think of the harvest: it’s both literal and symbolic. All the projects, connections, and experiences of the year are ready to be integrated. Reflection comes naturally now. What have you created since spring? What will you carry forward, and what can you lay gently to rest?
Working with the season means honoring these rhythms rather than resisting them. This is the perfect time to build small, grounding rituals into your day. Start with simple supports: warm, spiced teas like chai or ginger, roasted root vegetables, and soups that nourish from the inside out. Moisturize your skin, take slower walks, and choose yoga practices that emphasize long exhalations and gentle chest openers to keep the lungs strong. Journaling at sunrise or sunset can help you notice where you’re ready to let go.
Community connection also plays a part. Even as nature draws inward, gathering with others in meaningful ways (like a yoga class, a shared meal, or an evening of candlelight meditation) keeps the heart warm. At Ocean Bliss Yoga, our fall classes are designed to help you feel both rooted and inspired. It’s a space to move with the changing light, to breathe with intention, and to meet others walking through the same seasonal shift.
As you step into autumn, consider this reflection: What am I ready to release so that I can carry only what nourishes me into the months ahead? The equinox reminds us that balance is not a static state but a dance. May this season guide you toward the kind of balance that feels alive. One that honors both the brilliant harvest of your summer and the quiet depth of the coming winter.
For more information about offerings at Ocean Bliss Yoga or to connect personally, call or text me at 917-318-1168.