Ground Down, Not Out: Energy Support for Darker Days

Shawna
Oct 8
3 min read

October is about navigating the seasonal shift, increased indoor time, and the energy drain from less natural light. It's also about honoring the natural rhythms of release and rest.

Key Dates

Oct 6 – Full Moon 🌕
Oct 21 – New Moon 🌑
Oct 31 – Halloween 🎃
Nov 5 – In-Person Sessions Now Available

Why October Feels Harder

Oregon had a warm, dry September, which made me forget about seasonal shifts. I usually get to my office by 7am to enjoy the quiet before client sessions, but over the last couple of weeks, getting up has gotten harder and harder. It finally occurred to me: it's that time of year when our yang energies decline and yin energies increase.

As our Yin energies increase with the cooling weather and shortening daylight hours (at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere), we enter a time of contraction, stillness, quiet, and contemplation. Scientific research strongly indicates that shorter daylight hours, especially during fall and winter, affect energy levels for many people. Disruptions in circadian rhythms due to less daylight can lead to poor sleep quality, lower motivation, and decreased overall well-being. Beyond the physical effects of less daylight, this seasonal shift has energetic implications too.

So, what can we do to ensure our energies are balanced and weather these seasonal shifts?

Give yourself permission to adjust expectations as seasons change. It’s OK to not get as much done, to rest more, to sit with a cup of tea and a good book instead of cleaning out that closet.
Talk with your medical professionals about adding Vitamin D supplements.
Consider light therapy to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Practice energy medicine consistently. Since starting my journey with the Eden Method and Biofield Tuning, my lifelong struggle with depression has significantly improved. I genuinely believe these practices made the difference.

Metal Element

From an energy medicine perspective, autumn's theme of letting go shows up in specific ways. The Metal Element corresponds with the Lung Meridian (Yin), and Large Intestine Meridian (Yang). Like the leaves falling from the trees, lung and large intestine meridians are associated with letting go. This is why long-ignored grief often rises to the surface in autumn, the season naturally brings up what we've been holding.

The past nine months have been a season of growth and building. Now's the time to take stock—what's been working well and deserves to stay? What needs adjusting? And what's ready to be released? When you let go of what isn't serving you, you create space for fresh possibilities to emerge during the quieter winter months ahead.

If you're struggling to release something, this simple technique can help soften the resistance:

Rub your hands together firmly and shake them off.
Rub together a second time and place one hand on your forehead and the other on the very top of your head. The top of your head is where the metal element neurovasculars reside.

Mini Practice: Rooting Down

Purpose: Connect to earth energy and stabilize scattered feelings, especially as you spend more time indoors during darker months.

When: Morning transitions, before school pickup, when thinking is scattered.

How: Sit or stand comfortably, barefoot if possible. Rest your hands comfortably on your thighs or place one hand on your chest and the other on your solar plexus. Visualize roots growing from feet and going deep into the earth’s core. Spread the roots out deep into the earth. Breathe deeply for 1-2 minutes.

Journal Prompt

What feels unstable or uncertain right now? What would help me feel more anchored?

Affirmation of the Week

I have faith this problem is being resolved. I let go of the hooks keeping me attached to this problem.

These affirmations support the lung and large intestine meridians, strengthening your capacity for release and trust.

This Month's Download

Wellness Practices for Darker Days - A printable guide with practical ideas for indoor nourishment, outdoor connection, light management, and nutrition. Add your own practices for quick reference on days when you need support but can't think clearly.

New: In-Person Sessions Starting November

Starting in November, I will be offering in-person sessions on Wednesdays in Tigard, Oregon (right of 217 and I5). Introductory Offer: 25% Off In-Person Sound & Energy Healing Session Through December 31st. First come, first served. Use code NEWLOCATION25 when booking your in-person session. You can use this discount as many times as you'd like through the end of the year - perfect if you want to establish a regular Wednesday self-care routine!