Happy Equinox!

​A Magical Day

The Autumnal Equinox is ALWAYS special for me. One of two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of  (nearly) equal length.

This year, the Equinox happens at 2:50 A.M. EST on Saturday, September 23.

In the Shaw house, September 23 is also our “Gotcha Day” with Javi! That’s right, one year ago this amazing Ewok bounded into our lives and burst open our hearts. 🐶♥️

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“This is a wonderful day.
I have never seen this one before.” 
~ Maya Angelou

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Shadow Self
Bring It ALL Into the Light

Hello friends!

September might just be my favorite month, and the equinox is always one of my favorite days of the year. The autumnal equinox is nature’s reminder to turn towards the light within. Nighttime arrives a little earlier and lingers longer, gradually inviting us into deeper meditation and more stillness.

I look at this day as an opportunity to reconnect and reboot. And this year, I am not going to shy away from settling into shadow self.

Here’s the thing. The shadow side of self may sound dark, or ominous, or scary. Definitely something we may wish to avoid.

But that’s just it. Without shadow, there is no light . . . and I want all of us to shine brightly! Which means being honest, and getting clear, about our shadows.

Example: my pattern of people pleasing. I used to tell myself that people pleasing was kindness, or caring. Definitely a sacrifice. It made me feel better about myself, and I used that faux superiority to set myself apart. Maybe even resent others? 😔

Not pretty.

So, when I read a piece from Jesse Johnson Coaching identifying people pleasing as manipulative, it as an Aha! moment for me. The true root of my behavior, the depth of my shadow, was plain and clear. And, while it was not attractive, now that I could see it for what it was, it was easy for me to make a switch to authentically pleasing people.

With respect for myself. With love and light for others.

I encourage you to celebrate this Equinox and take some time in stillness. What aspect of yourself do you want to bring into the light so that it can be seen? With soft eyes and playful curiosity.

Does it need healed or mended?
Released?
Further nurtured so it can grow and blossom?

I know shame thrives in secrecy, so let’s not reside there.

This Equinox, let’s be willing to look into the dark corners.
Let’s lovingly explore the shadows.
And let’s choose to live in the light.

Thanks for being here,
~ m

P.S.  ArtPrize is HAPPENING!
Abdoulaye’s mural, Raining Wisdom, can be viewed @ 45 Ottawa Avenue.
Vote early and often 😉