Reflections on This Fall Equinox
Fall's sudden light changes hit different this week. Here's what I'm doing about it + lessons from being with friends and a hummus recipe that makes people smile.
As I sit here this beautiful Sunday morning, watching the September light cast longer shadows across my garden, I'm feeling deeply grateful for yesterday's fall equinox celebration with neighbors. There's something profound about gathering in community during times of transition - it reminds us that we're not meant to navigate life's seasons alone.
This week has me reflecting on the power of connection, the importance of light (literally and figuratively), and how simple, nourishing foods can become vessels for love and community.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: What Community Taught Me This Fall Equinox
Latest blog post: Let There Be Morning Light: A Fall Ritual for Brighter Days
What I Ate: Hummus to Share with Friends
What Gathering with Friends Taught Me
Yesterday, a neighbor invited perhaps 75 people for a fall equinox brunch—beautifully catered, with many of us bringing dishes to share. My husband contributed his crowd-pleasing hummus recipe (which I'm sharing below), and the gathering reminded me why community is essential scaffolding for our lives.
According to many cultures, fall is the time to reassess and reflect on where we're going personally. Like trees releasing their leaves, we too examine what no longer serves us. This season also coincides with the Jewish high holidays—a time for taking stock and examining one's life, seeing where we're hitting the mark and where we're falling short.
A Lesson in Resilience
A decade ago, I had the opportunity to treat a remarkable woman named Leng, who was born in rural Cambodia. Despite speaking no common language—I learned a few sentences in Khmer just to treat her—we had incredible chemistry. She invited me to a Buddhist celebration in Johnston, Rhode Island, where I was embraced by a community of Cambodians who had all survived the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge.
As I watched these people chanting and singing with their souls seemingly intact despite unimaginable suffering, I wondered: How did they not only survive but thrive? The answer became clear—it was their spirituality and firm sense of community that helped them endure.
The Gift of Showing Up
Sometimes it's hard to be in community. If we're introverted, it's easier to stay home and avoid connection. But in opening our hearts and spending our most precious resource—time—with each other, we bank joy and goodwill that will see us through both the best of times and the rockier ones too.
This fall, I invite you to consider: Where can you show up for community? How can you both give and receive the support that makes life's transitions more meaningful?
Latest blog post
Let There Be Morning Light: A Fall Ritual for Brighter Days
Sometimes the intensity of summer light can feel overwhelming, but now the sudden reduction is equally shocking. The shadows encompassing a bigger portion of my yard each morning—combined with spending most of my day indoors—has reminded me on a visceral level that I need to supplement light through both a lightbox and intentional outdoor time.
This shift is critical for mental wellness. In my latest blog post, I explore:
The Science of Seasonal Light Changes How reduced daylight affects our circadian rhythms, mood, and energy levels—and why women in perimenopause and menopause are particularly sensitive to these shifts.
Creating Your Morning Light Ritual Practical strategies for incorporating light therapy into your daily routine, from the best timing for light box use to maximizing natural outdoor exposure.
Beyond the Technical Why this simple practice can become a grounding ritual that sets the tone for your entire day, supporting both your physical and emotional well-being.
As we move deeper into fall, establishing consistent light practices isn't just about combating seasonal blues—it's about honoring your body's needs and creating sustainable wellness habits.
What I ate
Hummus to Share with Friends
Usually this section features what I'm reading or listening to, but today I'm sharing my husband's simple hummus recipe that makes store-bought versions seem truly sad. This whipped, creamy deliciousness is not only incredibly satisfying and high in protein, but it also embodies the spirit of community I've been reflecting on.
There's something beautiful about food that brings people together. This hummus has become our go-to contribution for gatherings—it disappears quickly and always sparks conversations. Plus, the act of making it yourself is meditative and nourishing in its own right.
Why Homemade Matters Beyond taste, making your own hummus means controlling ingredients and avoiding preservatives. You're also creating something with your hands—a small act of self-care that honors both your body and the people you'll share it with.
The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few quality ingredients and a food processor. It's the kind of nourishing food that supports stable blood sugar and sustained energy—perfect for women navigating hormonal changes.
I’m cheering for you. Have a wonderful week!
Dr. Cat 🥰