Change of Seasons

Fall Harvest

Last Tuesday was the autumn equinox.  I was born and raised in Ireland, which has a temperate climate with four seasons.  In Ireland, the autumn equinox marks the harvest festival.  This is a time when the end of summer and the bounty of the earth is celebrated.  Even though I now live in the Southwest where the only climate change is from hot to scorching, I am still keenly aware of the change of the seasons and think it is important to do something to mark the transition.

Today I happened to go to the gym to participate in a charity yoga 108 sun salutations event (yes!  I did all 108!).   Generally the series of 108 sun salutations is practiced at the change of the seasons around the equinoxes and solstices.  The number 108 is significant because:

• The average distance of the sun and moon to the earth is 108 times their respective diameters
• There are 108 names of Shiva
• The Chinese character 108 represents man
• There are 108 Upanishads (sacred texts)

All over the world people mark the change of the seasons in their own unique ways.  Also the number 108 is significant cross culturally.  These types of things always remind me of our similarities rather than differences.

At this time of transition from summer to fall, take a moment to consider the following questions:

What are you willing to change or prune in your life right now?

What would you like to harvest this coming season?

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