The Fall Equinox: A Season to Release and Renew
The fall equinox marks a beautiful turning point in the year—a moment when day and night are in balance, and the earth seems to pause and reflect. It’s a reminder that change is natural, necessary, and restorative. Just as trees release their leaves, the equinox invites reflection on what can be let go—old patterns, stress, or anything that no longer serves well-being.
The equinox has long been a moment of reflection and celebration across cultures, marking the balance of day and night and the gentle transition into fall. Ancient Celts celebrated Mabon, a harvest festival giving thanks for abundance, while in Japan, Higan honored ancestors and the changing seasons. Across agrarian and indigenous traditions, the equinox was a time to harvest, store food, and prepare for winter. Today, welcoming the equinox can feel just as grounding—lighting a candle, creating a cozy space with seasonal items like leaves, apples, or squash, taking a reflective walk in nature, or jotting down what you want to release and what you wish to invite in. It’s a simple way to pause, notice the changing world around us, and align ourselves with the natural rhythm of the season.
This is an ideal time to set gentle intentions for the months ahead. Consider areas like self-care, personal growth, or slowing down to savor life’s simple joys. One way to support this is by creating cozy corners at home with blankets, soft lighting, or a dedicated space for reading, writing, or reflection. Gentle movement—like stretching, restorative yoga, slow walks, or light workouts—encourages circulation and energy while nudging the nervous system into a calmer, parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. Intentional breathwork can further enhance this calming effect.
Fall is the perfect season to prep nourishing meals. Soups, sauces, and stews can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week, supporting digestion, energy, and mental clarity. Seasonal foods such as apples, root vegetables, squash, and dark leafy greens naturally aid digestion and help the body release what it doesn’t need. Warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon soothe digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide comfort as the days grow cooler. Slow, mindful eating—chewing thoroughly and savoring each bite—supports digestion and encourages a calm, restorative state.
Fall is also a wonderful time to consider gentle cleansing practices. The body naturally detoxifies every day through the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, lymph, and digestive tract, and this season can be a helpful reminder to support those pathways. Cleansing doesn’t come from extreme diets or harsh restrictions—rather, it comes from nourishing foods, hydration, gentle movement, rest, and mindful daily routines that help the body release what it no longer needs.
Hydration remains important even in cooler weather. Warm herbal teas, broths, or infused water can support kidney and lymph function while also bringing a sense of comfort. Evening routines that align with the longer nights—such as dimming lights, journaling, stretching, or meditative breathing—can help prepare the body and mind for restful sleep. Journaling prompts can also be helpful for reflection, such as:
“What do I want to release this season?”
“What nourishment—physical, mental, or emotional—do I want to invite in?”
The equinox is ultimately a reminder of balance—between light and dark, activity and rest, holding on and letting go. By honouring seasonal rhythms and incorporating supportive practices, energy can feel steadier, the mind clearer, and the body better prepared for the months ahead.
Here’s to embracing fall with clarity, ease, and presence.
—Kathi 🌿
Wholemade Nutrition & Wellness
