CategoriesEducational Spirituality
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Autumn Equinox and the Dance of Balance

Hey there, lovely souls! Can you feel it? The crispness in the air, the leaves starting to don their fiery hues, and that unmistakable scent of autumn… It’s that time of year again, when nature puts on its most spectacular show, and the energies around us shift into a different gear. Yes, you guessed it right – it’s the Autumn Equinox!

As we bid farewell to the long, lazy days of summer and welcome the cosy embrace of fall, there’s something truly magical about this transitional phase. The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon in some spiritual circles, marks the point of perfect balance in the wheel of the year. Day and night share equal time, reminding us of the importance of equilibrium in our own lives. This year it falls on Saturday 23rd September.

Let’s explore the spiritual significance of this enchanting time and find out how we can tap into its energies for personal growth and introspection.

Harvesting the Fruits of our Soul’s Labour

Picture this: a field ripe with golden wheat, apples heavy on the boughs, and pumpkins sprawling across the earth. This is nature’s way of reminding us that it’s time to reap what we’ve sown. In our own lives, the Autumn Equinox is an opportunity for reflection. What have we achieved? What goals have we met? It’s a time to acknowledge our efforts and take pride in our accomplishments.

But it’s not just about material gains; it’s about the harvest of experiences, wisdom, and personal growth. Take a moment to give thanks for the lessons learned and the strength gained. Gratitude is a powerful force that amplifies our blessings and invites more positivity into our lives.

Embracing Balance and Harmony

As day and night stand side by side, we’re reminded of the delicate dance between light and dark within ourselves. It’s a time to acknowledge and honour our shadows, those parts of us that need a little extra love and attention. By embracing both our light and dark aspects, we find a sense of wholeness and unity within ourselves.

Consider this a moment of inner housekeeping. What habits, thoughts, or beliefs are throwing you off balance? Now is the perfect time to realign your energies and find that sweet spot of equilibrium. Whether through meditation, journalling, or simply spending time in nature, allow the Autumn Equinox to be a catalyst for inner harmony.

Letting Go and Making Space

Autumn is nature’s grand finale before the quiet introspection of winter. The trees shed their leaves, releasing what no longer serves them. Similarly, the Autumn Equinox invites us to let go of what’s holding us back. It’s a time to release old patterns, relationships, or situations that no longer align with our highest good.

Take a moment to write down what you’re ready to release. Visualise it as golden leaves falling gently to the ground, making space for fresh, new energy to flow in. Trust that by letting go, you’re creating room for transformation and growth.

Honoring the Sacred Within and Without

During this sacred time, it’s important to remember that the magic of the Autumn Equinox isn’t limited to rituals or ceremonies. The simple act of being present in nature, feeling the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, and breathing in the earthy scent of fallen foliage is a spiritual experience in itself.

Why not take a leisurely walk through a park or woodland, allowing your senses to soak in the beauty around you. Feel the connection between your soul and the natural world. This is where true magic resides – in the whispers of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the song of birds.

Nourishing the Soul

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it’s important to nurture your inner light. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and warmth. Light candles, sip on herbal teas, and indulge in hearty, nourishing meals. This is a season of self-care and self-love, a time to replenish your energy and prepare for the introspective months ahead.

So, dear kindred spirits, let’s welcome the Autumn Equinox with open hearts and open minds. Embrace the beauty of change, honor the dance of light and dark within you, and let go of what no longer serves your soul. May this season be a tapestry of transformation, love, and boundless magic. Happy Equinox, and may your days be filled with golden blessings! 🍂✨

We’ve Got You Covered

As always, we’ve got you covered for this years Autumn Equinox. Take a look at our handpicked selection of products below, or pop in store, where we’ve got a wonderful array of items for you to choose from.

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CategoriesTips & Advice
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Stay Grounded This Summer

Welcome to this fortnight’s Quest blog. We hope you’ve been enjoying the long, lazy summer evenings so far. Did you know that our summer holidays provide us with the perfect opportunity to practise exercises that help to ground and centre us? Well, in this blog we are giving you our top tips to help you stay rejuvenated and grounded this summer. Kids on school holidays? Fret not. We understand that for many, the school holidays can add to daily struggles as you try to juggle childcare with work and life in general. You can practise these exercises at a time that suits you. You could even get the children involved and teach them the importance of maintaining their well-being. So here are our top tips for staying grounded this summer:

  • Practice Mindfulness: Engage in daily mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking to stay present and calm amidst the holiday chaos.
  • Set Intentions: Start your day by setting positive intentions. Reflect on what you want to experience and achieve during the summer, and align your actions accordingly.
  • Maintain a Routine: Create a flexible routine that includes time for relaxation, exercise, socialising, and personal growth. Having a structure can provide a sense of stability during the summer break, especially if you have children at home.
  • Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s taking a walk in the park, going to the beach, or hiking. Nature has this amazing grounding effect and can help you feel more connected and at peace.
  • Limit Screen Time: Reduce your time spent on electronic devices and social media. Disconnecting from technology allows you to focus on your surroundings and engage in meaningful experiences.
  • Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate regular physical exercise into your routine. Whether it’s going for a swim, practicing yoga, or playing a sport, physical activity can release tension and boost your mood.
  • Prioritise Self-Care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, taking baths, or getting a massage or even some Reiki.
  • Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by reflecting on the things you appreciate in your life. Keep a gratitude journal or share your gratitude with others, as it helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your experience.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and establish healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy. Prioritise activities and commitments that align with your values and bring you joy.
  • Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time with family and friends. Engage in meaningful conversations, create new memories, and strengthen your relationships. Positive connections with others can provide a sense of belonging and support.

These tips are meant to guide you, just remember, everyone’s needs are unique. You can adjust and personalise them to suit your preferences and circumstances. Enjoy your summer holidays and make the most of your time to rejuvenate your soul and stay grounded and centered.

“Like a tree with deep roots, stay grounded in your spiritual essence. Let your branches reach for the heavens, while your roots remain firmly connected to the earth. In this balance, you will find true strength, resilience, and inner peace.”

Spiritual Quest

We’ve Got You Covered

We carefully selected a range of products to support you this summer. Can’t see what you are looking for? Pop in, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

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CategoriesEducational Spirituality Tips & Advice
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Forest Bathing

In light of the beautiful new Spring energy we now have around us, we thought ‘forest bathing’ would be the ideal topic for this fortnight’s blog. Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980’s and is referred to there as ‘shinrin-yoku’ (shinrin meaning forest and yoku meaning bath/bathing). So what is it? Well, it’s the practice of slowing down by fully immersing yourself in nature. We all know that spending time out in nature is good for the soul, but studies into forest bathing have shown how spending two hours ‘mindfully’ in a forest can have immense benefits on our health. If you take a look at the list below you’ll see just how beneficial it is.

  • Decreases blood pressure
  • Lowers the stress hormone cortisol
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Enhances mindfulness
  • Improves mental health, attention and mood
  • Boosts creativity
  • Strengthens immunity
  • Promotes good sleep

As we walk slowly through the forest, seeing, listening, smelling, tasting and touching, we bring our rhythms into step with nature.

Dr Qing Li

How to Forest Bathe

Forest bathing is a fully immersive experience. One that invigorates all your senses and allows you to consciously connect to nature. To get the maximum benefits, it’s important that you switch off from technology. So turning off your phone and popping it in your bag or pocket is a must!

As you walk through the forest, allow your senses to guide you. What can you see? Notice the different colours and shapes around you. What can you hear? Tune into the birdsong, the rustling of leaves and the gentle creak of the branches overhead. What can you feel? Run your hands over the trunks of the trees, leaves and twigs and notice the different textures. What can you smell? It might be the sweetness of the rain, or the earthy smells of the ground, or even the delicate perfume of spring blossoms. Don’t forget to take a break! Find a bench or a fallen tree to sit on, and reflect on how the forest makes you feel. Really notice it in the very core of your being. At this point, taking some long deep breaths, will send a message to your body that it safe. Notice how relaxed this instantly makes you feel. Really embrace the stillness of this moment and you might be surprised by the amount of wildlife you notice whilst you take this time for yourself.

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

John Muir

Finally, don’t worry if you don’t have 2 hours to spare, you can start with a time you feel comfortable with and build it up. Remember, anytime spent in nature will have positive benefits. If you aren’t local to a forest or woodland, you can do the same in a park or even your garden. It’s all about taking the time to really connect and experience all nature has to offer.

We’ve Got You Covered

Here at Spiritual Quest, we always have you covered. Whether it’s handpicked products or inspiring workshops. Take a look at these carefully selected products and upcoming workshops. Remember, if you can’t find what you are looking for, give us a call or pop in and we’ll be more than happy to help. Also, we are offering a free tree agate tumblestone with any online or in store purchases when you use the code TREE23.

To book pop in or call us on 01372 878606