It’s mid-August and I can already feel a shift in seasons beginning here in Colorado. We’re still experiencing hot weather – no doubt about that! – but the light is more golden in color, and the energy of summer is waning. Autumn might arrive early this year!

I’ll share something with you that I learned years ago in my energy work and Chi Kung studies. The official first days of autumn and spring occur on the fall and spring equinoxes – the 2 days of the year when the hours of daylight and non-daylight are equal. However, there is an energetic shift in seasons that begins 6-weeks prior to these equinoxes.

It makes sense that there is a relatively slow “slide” into a new season, otherwise it might feel a bit jarring to wake up one day to the full expression of summer, and the next day wake up to all of the leaves on the ground and colder temperatures. This interim is a gift that allows us to prepare for the changes that lie ahead. And this is what I’m feeling and experiencing now. It’s summer, but it’s not summer. Nor is it fall.

The energetic shift between the seasons is upon us, and with it comes an internal shift that you might be experiencing as well. Sometimes during this time of year I feel mild twinges of unexplainable grief, and the desire to clean house (or cleanse my body) sets in. Are you feeling this too?

Summer is an ecstatic time of celebration, adventure and the full outward expression of joy. As we move into autumn we transition into a more internal time of year. You might feel a twinge of sadness at thought of letting go of summer, and you may not be ready for it to end.

I share this with you to let you know that this “in between” time can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable. Our routines and schedules shift (back to school anyone?), and it’s not uncommon to feel a tone of resistance to this change inside of yourself.

I invite you to let the feeling of discomfort simply be. Allow it to inform and guide you toward the shifts you might be required to make in your life. This is a great time of year to create a specific routine or ritual that helps you ease into letting go of what’s been, and receiving all that still awaits.

For instance, I felt called to begin a cleanse to assist me in receiving the clarity and inspiration I require right now, and to help me unburden myself from any heaviness I might be carrying around with me.  I’m on day three of my cleanse, and I’m feeling really great. For me, this is the perfect way to transition into autumn this year.

As you’ll read below, there are a lot of changes happening in just about every area of my life right now. I know that you’re probably in the midst of big shifts, too. Please know I’m thinking about you and I’m sending you love for a gorgeous finale to your summer.

I invite you to trust that as you begin to release the brilliance of summer, you’ll be even more prepared to usher in the great bounty that autumn has in store for you.

With love and radiant possibilities,