For many, fall means pumpkins, the changing of leaves, cooler air, and cozy sweaters. It’s that magical time of year when we transition from warm summer days to the dark, cold winter nights. Those three months when the Earth slowly falls into a long slumber, preparing yet again for another rebirth in the spring. It’s been called The Shadow Season because it’s in between the light season (summer) and the dark season (winter). The Earth is still alive, yet dying at the same time. Our planet truly has a beautiful process to witness—at least for those living in the northern hemisphere.

While summer was a time of abundance, fall is a time for letting go, just as the trees, grass, flowers, and crops do. Let go of the things that are holding us back from being the best version of ourselves, from our dreams and passions. We need to clear out the clutter and allow space in our lives for new beginnings. Just as the crops are harvested and the earth is plowed in preparation for next year’s plantings, we need to dig deep and weed out that which is not needed in order to plant new seeds of inspiration.

We let go in fall because it teaches us to befriend our inner darkness, our shadows. It’s that time of year when we go within and face our repressed emotions, the things we don’t want to face or talk about. We begin to address our struggles, fears, decisions, and regrets. We all have inner darkness; some darker than others. It’s The Shadow Season that evokes this attention to cleanse and release before hibernating for winter—again, just like the leaves of the trees. Let it go.

As we face our inner shadows and engage in deep introspection about our lives, don’t fear the darkness—without it, there would be no light. Everything in life is about balance. In order to have light, we must also have the dark. Having off days, lacking energy, or feelings of sadness and crying during fall is only the process of facing these shadows and resolving them. Push through it, and we’ll emerge more appreciative for all that is good and wonderful in our lives. Embrace the cooler air with cozy sweaters and socks, take long strolls among the colored falling leaves, and cook up a pot of soup to warm our tummies and our soul. Let’s embrace The Shadow Season and let go of what no longer serves us, so we have space for new beginnings as we snuggle in for the long winter nap.