Leslie

Stratford, ON, Canada

Embrace the autumn equinox as you practice loving-kindness and find balance through gratitude and release.

English

Join me for this special autumn metta or loving-kindness meditation. We'll rest into the energy of cooler days, longer nights, and the abundance of the harvest after a season of growth and expansion. A lovely, peaceful, compassion-based practice with an autumn theme.

Music by Tony Koniak.

Autumn Equinox Loving-Kindness Meditation

Hi friend, welcome to this special Autumn Equinox Metta meditation. The equinox marks a time of balance between light and dark, day and night. It's a season of transition and gratitude, as we harvest the fruits of our labor and prepare for the slower rhythm of the months ahead. Today, we'll cultivate loving-kindness for ourselves, others, and all beings everywhere, embracing the harmony and abundance of this time. So find a comfortable position, giving permission for your body to relax and let go of tension. Either close your eyes or soften your gaze. And take a deep breath in, drawing in the grounding energy of autumn. And as you gently exhale, unclench your hands, your jaw, your forehead. Feel the ground beneath you, steady and supportive, like the earth preparing for rest after a season of growth. Visualize yourself as a strong tree in autumn, with deep roots anchored in the soil, branches swaying gently in the crisp, cool air, leaves transitioning to vibrant color. Breathe deeply, feeling this balance between letting go and gathering strength. Inhale the cool, refreshing energy of the season. Exhale, setting the intention to release anything that no longer serves you. Now bring your attention to your heart center, imagining a warm, amber light glowing there, a light of gratitude and abundance. So we'll begin by offering loving kindness to yourself, as the season invites us to reflect and harvest our own inner growth. Extend these wishes to yourself. May I be safe, grounded in the rhythm of the earth. May I find peace, like the stillness of autumn evenings. May I feel gratitude for the abundance in my life. May I embrace the balance of light and dark within me. Visualize the golden, amber light in your heart expanding, surrounding you with warmth and care, like a cozy blanket on a cool fall day. Now bring to mind someone dear to you, a friend, partner, family member, a pet, or anyone whose presence brings you comfort or joy. Picture them clearly in your mind now, and offer them these wishes. May you be safe, held in the beauty of this season. May you find peace and stillness as the world slows down. May you feel deeply nourished by the love around you. May you walk gently into whatever comes next. Now imagine them bathed in that warm, amber light, the same gentle glow that shines from your heart. Let that light flow outward like autumn sunlight filtering through the golden trees. Now bring to mind someone you've encountered in daily life but don't know well, perhaps a neighbor, a co-worker, or the cashier at the grocery store. Picture their face, and offer them these wishes. May you be safe, grounded in balance and care. May you find peace like the calm of autumn mornings. May you feel gratitude for life's gifts, both big and small. May you thrive, nourished by the season's abundance. Visualize the amber light from your heart extending outward, wrapping this person in warmth and kindness. Now gently bring to mind someone with whom you've experienced difficulty. Autumn reminds us of the value of letting go and releasing old burdens as a vital part of our growth cycle. Visualize this person, and offer them these wishes. May you be safe, grounded in balance and stability. May you find peace even in the midst of challenges. May you feel gratitude for the gifts of life. May you embrace harmony and healing as the seasons change. Imagine the amber light surrounding them, softening the space between you, and let kindness flow freely. Now expand your loving kindness to all beings everywhere. Imagine that amber light radiating outward from your heart, spreading across the earth, like autumn leaves falling gently to the ground, connecting all of life. And you can offer these wishes. May all beings be safe, cradled in the rhythm of the earth. May all beings find peace, like the stillness of autumn nights. May all beings feel gratitude for the abundance of life. May all beings thrive, nourished by the season's gifts. Visualize the entire world glowing with this golden amber light, united in the energy of loving kindness. Now as you feel ready, bring your attention back to yourself, taking a few gentle grounding breaths. Feel the support under your body. And if you'd like, place your hands over your heart and offer yourself these words. I honor the cycles of balance and change within and around me. I embrace this time of reflection as an opportunity for growth and gratitude. I welcome the harmony and abundance of the autumn season. Now take a deep breath in, feeling that golden amber light within you glowing brightly. And as you exhale, imagining this light radiating outward, carrying your loving intentions into the world. And when you feel ready, open your eyes if you have them closed. Feel free to stretch or take in the space around you. May this autumn equinox bring you balance, gratitude, and peace. Thank you so much for practicing with me today, and I'll see you next time.