We welcomed autumn on September 21, although it still feels like summer.  Many of us have been expecting the "cool" season to arrive and for some of you this is perhaps your favorite time of the year. 

Autumn brings a unique energy and wisdom that is especially recognized and utilized in the ancient traditions.  As the temperature becomes cooler, all creation on earth automatically adjusts to the new awareness in this time of gradual change.  As the seeds of many plants fall back into the earth in preparation for the next season, plant your own seeds of wisdom by consciously shifting your awareness to the gifts of autumn. 

Here are some guidelines to understand and integrate in your life the acumen of this season:

1. Time of "Introspection"
   Quiet your mind and look inward through the practice of meditation, contemplation and prayer  to understand your being in all the different levels of existence.  Physically, take this time to learn how your body functions and what it needs.  Mentally, reflect on the thoughts you create and verbalize.  Allow your wisdom to guide your communication.  Emotionally, understand the foundation of your feelings and patterns of behavior.  Spiritually, reevaluate your connection with source and feel the divine energy within you and in all things around you.
2. Time of "Experience"
   As you go within, you are in a self-discovery journey.  Discover your abilities and skills and increase your area of expertise.  Recognizing your uniqueness gives you the opportunity to do and learn through your actions and as a consequence, you experience life at a deeper level.  Allow your experiences to bring maturity and wisdom as you gain new skills, expand your education, release negative habits and behaviors, assess your feelings and balance them.  Integrate the knowledge you have gained through life and share them with others.
3. Time of "Responsibility"
   Learning more about yourself and the consequence of your actions gives you the mature responsibility to love and respect yourself, our planet Earth and all your relations.  Do not be afraid of recognizing your limitations based on your knowledge and capabilities.  Be in charge of your thoughts, feelings and actions and notice how you react towards others.  Be responsible with your energy by not given it away and not taking what it isn't yours.  Be responsible with your time and finish as many outstanding projects as you can before winter.
4. Time of "Inner Strength"
   Autumn is a time to strengthen your true self as you discover more of your essence during introspection.  Your internal power can be manifested in physical endurance, increased stamina and energy balance, in mental control and concentration and in the attainment of knowledge.  Emotionally you could strengthen your self-awareness and become more balanced and centered, especially in dealing with your relationships.  This is also the best time to gain strong convictions and develop your spiritual connection with creator.
5. Time of "Integrity"
   The energy in autumn invites you to live in integrity with yourself and with others.  Tell the truth without judgment or blame, be strong in your convictions and align your truth with divine wisdom.  Honor your visions and insights and the messages you receive during your time of introspection.  Respect yourself by recognizing and overcoming your patterns of denial and self-indulgence.  Take this time to become conscious of your words and express them to be in alignment with your well-being.  Honesty is a great quality to develop during this season.
6. Time of "Courage"
   This is the time to have the courage to express your thoughts and emotions with absolute honesty and without fear of rejection or criticism.  This courage requires your willingness to admit your weaknesses and judgments and to find healthy ways to cope with painful situations and relationships.  Find the emotional courage to accept your vulnerabilities and self-judgment, find the mental courage to transform your limited ways of thinking into creative perspectives, become original and think "out of the box". 
   
   Mariscela Alvarez is a Certified Holistic Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Healing and Reiki Practitioner. She does private sessions in Auburn and remote sessions through phone or the web. She offers lectures, workshops and classes, relaxation and self-help CDs in English and Spanish. You can contact Mariscela at (530) 863-0003. Visit her at www.fyspirit.com and claim your special “gift”.  Mention this article and you will receive a “Special Discount” on your first session.