Written by Trina Zaragoza, Wellness Coach
Trina Zaragoza is a National Wellness Coach, Registered Nurse, and Energy Practitioner who blends holistic wellness with integrative coaching to help clients achieve personal empowerment. Focusing on mind-body connection and healing, she offers a unique approach and perspective to transformation and well-being.
There’s something about Fall that feels like a deep exhale. A calmness comes to the air, and a feeling of stillness starts to settle into the land. As the leaves turn from vibrant greens to golden hues and the air takes on a cool crispness, there’s an ancient call with a very faint call whispering in the air, beckoning us to slow down, be present, and reflect. It whispers words of letting go and seeing the same patterns in your life that keep you stagnant. It’s not just the change of seasons; it’s the natural order in nature and the universe reminding us that everything in life moves through cycles. Fall is no different. Fall is a reminder to trust the wheel's cyclic turns and the process of surrendering, even if it means releasing things we thought we couldn’t live without.
In shamanic traditions, Fall isn’t just a transitional season; it’s a sacred moment of transformation. It’s the space between holding on and moving forward. It's a pause during which we’re encouraged to look inward, reflect on what’s no longer serving us in our daily lives, and let it go and transmute it into new perspectives, or healing.
We often hold onto things without even realizing it. It could be outdated beliefs about ourselves that limit our full potential, such as the idea of being “not good enough” or being capable of change. The emotional baggage we carry from the past hurts that we wear as armor or grudges that block the ability to move forward. The unhealthy habits that may bring comfort or that great dopamine rush that we tend to cling to. Even though they are familiar and feel so safe, they may keep us stuck in patterns that no longer align with our current needs or goals. Even relationships that once felt nurturing can become draining when they no longer support our growth. Letting go of these attachments creates space for new, healthier energy to enter our lives. It's hard to let go of things that bring comfort and you know what to expect from them. It's even harder to enter the uncomfortable space of not knowing and trying new things.
What nature teaches us about the art of release
Take a walk outside during Fall, and you’ll notice that nature is in a constant state of release. Plants begin to wither back into the Earth, and their life force is returning to the soil to rest until spring. Animals, too, prepare for winter by shedding summer coats, stockpiling food or slowing down for hibernation, conserving their energy for the colder months. Nature understands that this release isn’t an ending but a necessary pause before renewal. The shedding and slowing down aren’t about loss but about making space for the quiet transformation that will bring fresh growth when the cycle begins again in the spring.
In our own lives, we often resist this kind of release. We hold onto old beliefs, habits, and even relationships that no longer nurture and push us toward growth because we fear the unknown. The unknown can be intimidating because it challenges our desire for control and predictability. Our minds crave certainty, and when faced with something unfamiliar, we often fill the blanks with worst-case scenarios. There’s a vulnerability in stepping into the unknown, where the outcome isn’t clear, which can stir up fear of failure or loss. Yet, in this very space of uncertainty, is where actual growth, transformation, and possibility reside.
What is the clutter you carry?
Clutter of the mind, body, and spirit is like that junk drawer we all have. It's filled with stuff we don’t need, but we’re holding onto it for some reason. Mentally, it’s constant overthinking, worrying about things that haven’t happened, and letting your brain run wild on things that don’t matter. Physically, it’s feeling sluggish because of that stress you’ve been carrying on your shoulders for weeks, or maybe it’s skipping self-care and letting your body run on fumes. And spiritually? That’s the heavy emotional baggage or unresolved stuff weighing down your soul, leaving you disconnected from your purpose. The good news is clearing out that clutter doesn’t require Marie Kondo. It just means letting go of your clutter to make room for more clarity, energy, and connection.
Aligning with earth’s cycles: feeding your soul with nature’s wisdom
Modern life pushes us to keep moving by doing more, being more, and achieving more. The challenge for most of us is resisting the slower, reflective moments, always focused on productivity and forward momentum. But this time, it offers a different message. It permits us to slow down, step back, and nourish ourselves in ways that align with the Earth's natural cycles.
Letting go isn’t just about releasing vague ideas. It’s about stepping into your power by consciously deciding what’s no longer serving your growth. Maybe it’s that job where you’ve hit a wall without room for advancement or personal development. Or perhaps it’s the relationship where your efforts go unappreciated, and you're constantly giving without receiving, leaving you drained rather than fulfilled. It could even be procrastination that keeps you from finally hitting the gym, knowing that your body needs movement but holding back for reasons that no longer hold weight. Letting go of these things is an empowering choice, a way of reclaiming your energy and directing it toward something that truly supports your evolution.
When we align with these rhythms, we notice the subtle shifts within ourselves. Maybe you’ve felt the nudge to take a break, reflect, or retreat into quieter spaces as the days get shorter. It’s not all about making grand gestures or drastic changes. It’s about tuning into the softer whispers of our energy and recognizing when it’s time to rest and be present.
There’s also a power in flowing with the Earth’s cycles. It invites us to see that we're constantly evolving. We don’t need to cling to the old ways out of fear or habit; we can trust that new growth will come when the time is right. When we begin to move with this natural flow, we discover that life becomes less chaotic, and a more profound sense of peace and balance emerges.
7 simple ways to release what no longer serves you
In today’s fast-paced, do-it-all world, it’s easy to carry around things we really don’t need. We all have stress, old habits, or emotional baggage we haven’t unpacked yet. Some of us even need a storage unit to sort through. Luckily, Fall is nature’s way of saying, "Hey, maybe it’s time to declutter." It practically hands us a manual for letting go and vibing with the earth's rhythm. If you’re ready for this sync-up and ditch the clutter you’ve been hauling around, here are seven simple but powerful ways to get started.
1. Reflect, release, and embrace change through journaling
Begin by giving yourself space to write freely about what’s weighing on your heart or mind. Ask yourself: What am I holding onto that’s no longer serving me? Dive deep into patterns or beliefs that keep you stuck and reflect on the emotions they stir. Consider: How would my life change if I let this go? What am I making room for in its place?
2. Breathe with intention
Take a moment to breathe deeply, consciously letting the tension melt away with each breath. As you inhale, imagine drawing in fresh energy, asking yourself, What am I open to receiving right now? On each exhale, visualize releasing what’s weighing you down. Is it stress, worries, or lingering negative self-talk? With every breath, feel yourself growing lighter, more present, and grounded and visualize you’re clearing space for something new.
3. Declutter your space, clear your mind
Look around your living space or workspace. Is anything cluttering your environment that feels like it’s weighing you down? As you declutter, reflect: What am I emotionally holding onto that mirrors this physical clutter? Clearing your space is a symbolic way to release emotional baggage and invite fresh energy.
4. Move with purpose
Pay attention when you move through yoga, a brisk walk, or that elliptical surge. Start tuning into your body and notice where you're holding onto tension. Ask yourself, What emotions am I storing? Where do I feel heaviness or tightness? Let each stretch, step, or sway be an intentional release of stagnant energy, allowing the stress you’ve been carrying to melt away with every motion.
5. Meditate for inner clarity
During your meditation, imagine yourself gently releasing any emotional or mental blockages. Ask: What can I let go of to create space for peace and clarity? Visualize those blockages dissolving, leaving room for a lighter, more expansive version of yourself to emerge.
6. Symbolize release with ritual
Write down the things you’re ready to release, whether it’s old habits, limiting beliefs, or heavy emotions. Prepare a simple release ritual. As you burn or bury the paper, take a moment to reflect: What transformation am I inviting into my life by letting this go? Let the ritual mark the closing of one chapter and the start of something new, signaling your readiness to step into a lighter, more empowered version of yourself.
7. Reconnect with nature’s rhythm
Spend time outdoors, whether it's a quiet walk or simply sitting in a natural setting. Let nature be your guide in letting go. Ask yourself: What can I release, just as the trees release their leaves? How can I trust the cycles of my life like nature trusts its own rhythms? Use the stillness of the season to reflect on what needs to fall away in your life.
Don’t forget this is also the season when the veil between worlds is thin, offering a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with our inner selves, ancestors, and spirit guides. It’s a time of heightened intuition and reflection as the spiritual energy around us becomes more accessible. But that’s a journey all on its own. If you’re curious to explore more about the mysteries of the liminal veil and why it thins at this time of year, be sure to check out my podcast Mystical Musings episode on Samhain, its roots in Halloween, and the deeper spiritual significance behind it.
Ready to embrace Fall’s energy and start releasing what’s been holding you back? Book a personalized session with me to explore how you can align with the Earth’s cycles and create space for new growth. Visit Altered Haven to learn more and begin your journey toward renewal today.
"Letting go is the first step in making space for the magic of what’s to come."
Read more from Trina Zaragoza
Trina Zaragoza, Wellness Coach
Trina Zaragoza is a National Wellness Coach, Registered Nurse, and Energy Practitioner who loves helping people reconnect with their inner strength and well-being. Drawing from both her medical experience and energy-based practices, she creates a supportive space where clients can heal and grow. Trina is all about making wellness practical, using simple yet powerful tools that guide people toward a balanced, fulfilling life. She believes that everyone has the ability to transform their own health from the inside out.
