We often see the darkness in negative terms, we think we want an endless summer … however it is in the darkness that we retreat, gather the harvest, and let go so we can prepare for next phase of growth. Yoga philosophy says that in the darkness resides the potential, the next cycle of flourishing and that we need not fear, we can trust the cycles and be supported and at home in the darkness.
In autumn, the dosha of vata predominates, vata is a dominance of the air and space elements, it is associated with catabolism, breaking down, dying, and can leave us feeling vulnerable, depleted, dissipated, anxious, worried, and with a disturbance of digestion and breath.
In autumn we are inivted to pause, to harvest the goodness of summer and to willingly let go, and throughout it all to take great care of and nourish ourselves deeply.

Mary Oliver, growing darkness