This is a wonderful time to do some personal spring cleaning. As we know, shaking is one of the most effective ways we have to deal with stress or a trauma response. It allows us to shake off and reset. Raise your hand if you haven't felt stressed at some point this year! I shake most days in my qigong practice. But today, I want to add more joy to my shake. And I invite you to shake along with me—to shake out those bits that may be hanging on to you only loosely, to loosen up the more stubborn bits, and to clear the lens of perception with which you regard yourself and your world.

This spring it would be helpful to rediscover the childhood joy of bouncing. When we played as children, the unknown didn’t bother us. Being up in the air is thrilling. Looking at the pattern of a splash is fascinating. Bouncing is exhilarating and laughter inducing.

Imagine that right now you are a seedling bursting out of your seed shell and making the journey up through the soil toward the sunlight above. That's exactly what is happening in you right now as the light draws you out of winter and toward spring. As spring approaches, so does a change in focus. How are you now going to turn to the sun and participate in the growth of this busy internal time? Here is some help.

This winter, expect life to push you in new and uncomfortable directions. With the solstice essence as your companion, you will be better able to see the traffic in your life and the world around you through the wise eyes of an elder instead of the overwrought sensibilities of an adolescent. You, as the mature observer, will see that everything in front of you contains gifts and opportunities. In your calmness, you will be able to use those well.

Welcome fall! I am so pleased to offer you this year's Autumn Equinox Essence.

This season, we are encouraged to meet whatever comes our way with fierceness, creativity, and above all, Love. We all may feel challenged by what's in front of us, but if we pay attention we will see the path of beauty inviting us in.

I've included the ​interpretation here. It includes the definitions of the essences in the combination.

The essence is available here.