As humans we tend to think that life happens in a linear fashion … we go from young to old, skinny to fat, new to old, beginning to end, etc. However, if you take a look at what is happening in nature, you can see life actually happens in cycles or seasons.

This week's practice is taken directly from the work of don Jose Ruiz, son of don Miguel Ruiz (of the Four Agreements). The Ruiz family are teachers from a long line of Toltec Shamans. The lineage of the Toltec people has been around and practicing ‘self-help’ or ‘expanding awareness’ since before the time of the Aztecs.

In don Jose Ruiz’s book, The Medicine Bag, he explains how this linear progression type of thinking is an invention of the human mind and really is only true in the human experience.

He goes on to explain how we can bring harmony and balance to our own lives when we synchronize more closely with nature.

Although they look different depending on where you live, the seasons shape our world.

Each season has it's own special significance, color, light, smell, etc., and keeps a steady rhythm throughout our lives. When you embrace the artistry of your life, you can paint your reality with more depth and richness by aligning with the seasons. This can also help you remember to align with life rather than fight it.

Here is what don Jose Ruiz says about the season of Autumn…

“This is a time of year to make sure your affairs are in order, to take stock of how far you have progressed toward your goals, and to prepare for difficulties ahead.”

“Fall festivals throughout the world often have, within them, a celebration of death... notably Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. This is a time of remembering and calling on the wisdom of ancestors, as well as an opportunity to get more comfortable with this part of the cycle.”