Happy Equinox, Reader!

Today marks the point in the earth's orbit when day and night are perfectly balanced. It struck me this week that this perfect balance occurs only twice a year.

The rest of the year, as the earth rotates around its axis, gradually changing the proportions of night and day across the arc of a year, and giving us the gift of seasons.

I've always felt that light and dark are not opposites, but rather they contain each other, existing along a fluid spectrum. When nights are longer in the winter, or when days are longer in the summer, that isn't an imbalance, its just a shift of the axis.

I see a lot of messaging in wellness circles promoting balance in a way that feels really controlling. Humans are not designed to be static and even all the time. We are designed to adapt and respond to the environment. Just like the earth, we cycle through different seasons in our lives, and the muddy, mucky parts of the path aren't imbalances or failures; they are necessary for growth.

Perhaps knowing that the earth herself is only perfectly balanced twice a year can take some of the pressure off of us in a world that often pushes rigid perfectionism.

I've shifted my perspective on the Equinox. Today, I'm not celebrating balance, or even the return of the light (although it is lovely to see the sun again).

I'm celebrating our incredible ability to evolve. I'm marveling at the rhythms of nature, and I'm recommitting myself to trusting the timing of the universe. I'm feeling deep gratitude for a nourishing, restful winter. I'm honoring the change of seasons and am ready to clear space for new growth as spring emerges.

If you are looking for a way to honor the Spring Equinox, I'm leading a special practice tonight at 7 pm and I'd love for you to join us. The practice will be held virtually, so you can join from wherever you are.

As we transition from winter to spring, the potential energy we've been building and storing all winter is getting ready to move. In Chinese medicine, the wood element governs spring. Wood is nourished by the water element of winter, which is why it is so important to build yin reserves in the winter so we have enough energy to move from seed to sprout in springtime.

This practice will include gentle qigong movement to:

• open and clear energy channels
• activate the potential energy within
• build the strength and gumption to awaken from the hibernation state of winter and get unstuck
• gather the hope, vision, and courage needed to begin the next growth cycle

We'll also have time for reflection, and for a simple Equinox ritual to help us build a foundation of integrity for our growth and vision.

I hope to see you there!

Rachel Doctor of Physical Therapy & Integrative Pain Specialist Build a resilient nervous system to help you flow through the seasons of your life with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

PS: Seasonal transitions can be hard on the nervous system. If you are curious about working together, please schedule a free Nervous System Attunement Strategy Session. You'll get clear on what your nervous system needs and what is keeping you stuck, and we can develop a customized plan to get you the support you need.

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Invitations to Work Together Practice Qigong with me online to boost your nervous system's resilience. Unwind tension in your nervous system with CranioSacral Therapy. Schedule a FREE Nervous System Attunement Strategy Session.​