Sept. 22 is the beginning of autumn. It is the equinox, one of two times a year when day and night are equal length. I’ve found this moment of astronomical balance to be a wonderful time for inward reflection and to ground myself in preparation for winter and all of the longer, darker nights ahead.
Equilibrium is defined as a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other. It might be thought of as a resting place where one can find peace and a sense of groundedness. Not too much of this, not too much of that.
As the season changes, and during these uncertain times, I offer this blessing from John O’Donohue.
For Equilibrium, a Blessing
Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.As the wind loves to call things to dance,
May your gravity by lightened by grace.Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,
May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
May your sense of irony bring perspective.As time remains free of all that it frames,
May your mind stay clear of all it names.May your prayer of listening deepen enough
to hear in the depths the laughter of god.―John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
—Jessica Lien, Prairiewoods development coordinator