As we watch the trees lose their leaves, I am reminded that we too, need to let things fall. When was the last time you failed at something, or let go of something you thought was really important?

I remember the first time I failed an exam. I had been such a perfect student, always pushing myself to get straight A’s. It felt awful, but it was liberating too. There it was, an ‘F’- and I was still alive. I was still me. Maybe even more me. Cause I could shed the “perfect student” identity and just be me.

Trees create these beautiful leaves for only one season, and then they let them all go in a celebration of colours. So they can go back to being their naked selves again for the winter. Are you wearing some leaves that you’re done with? What pressures have you put on yourself in the last while? What are you ready to shed? Where in your life are you ready to fall down? 

While I love seeing people pursue better health, it has a dark side too. All too often it feeds people’s inner critic, and they tear themselves apart for  “eating bread” “not exercising enough” “not…” . Most people are dealing with a lot of pressure to “be the best”, and its taking a toll on their health. I feel like the “best” thing we can do at this time of year, is to fall down. Release the pressure. Do less. Go take a nap. 

There is often darkness, some grief and sadness, waiting for us when we stop. 

All the doing distracts us from feeling. But that’s why we’re here, to feel and experience life. Including the grief and sadness. A big reason people feel depressed is that they need a rest. Depression = Deep rest.

Here is a simple move to encourage your body to let go, 

Rise up on your tiptoes, reach up to the sky with your arms

(like a tree full of leaves reaching for the sun) 

and then drop down on your heels and let your arms fall to the ground 

(like a tree letting go of leaves). 

Doing it a few times will help release the pressure.

I also highly recommend failing at something. 

Be an “imperfect” employee, “imperfect” parent, “imperfect” student, “imperfect” friend….

Embrace falling down. 

Mama Earth is waiting to hug you once you’re down there.