Opening to the wisdom of Fall

For me, it's easier to fall in love with nature around this time of the year with all our senses. The air is crispier, the breeze colder, the sound of the wind against tree branches, and the gorgeous beauty of the season is striking - Wherever you look. In another dimension, Fall is a time of reflection and renewal through the wisdom it brings. Let's fall in!??

"Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him." - Hal Borland        

?Gratitude – for all things.?

?I am so grateful for the rain. I'd never imagine saying that while living in the Pacific Northwest, but we've had a strange start to the fall season this year with droughts and wildfires raging through the region. We even recorded the worst air quality levels in mid-October.

With all gratitude. Thank you, rain! With the wisdom of Fall, there are plenty of other opportunities to be thankful, including the Thanksgiving holiday, a bountiful harvest, family time, and sharing opportunities with those less fortunate.??

Acceptance is a must.?

There is so much uncertainty in our world at the moment – I'd run out of space trying to capture it all here, but as we see physical and experience temperature changes in the Fall. It's a reminder that it is wise to accept that everything changes. Acceptance allows us to enjoy the present and, at the same time, be aware that a change is coming – ongoing climate change, change in the global economy, prolonged change(s) related to COVID-19, change in political stability around the globe… This acceptance helps us be more resilient, more adaptable for survival, and more prepared to adjust rather than just reacting to everything. It requires us to expand, and Fall reminds us that change is the only constant.

?Seeking new perspectives

Wandering through the woods and watching the brightly colored foliage of trees glide down with grace and ease is magical. Part of me is excited about the journey of these leaves at this stage of their lifecycle. Yet, part of me worries about these "leaves" dying, being disconnected from the branches that held them dearly during the previous seasons. I also worry about them perishing into compost. I have to remind myself that this is a?very narrow perspective. What seems to be a free fall could well be a launch pad to the next level – and gives the tree a fresh start, with decaying leaves playing a vital role in the growth, care, and nurture of the environment until Spring comes. So perspectives change everything – What would be the experience from the top of the tree? Or from below the ground? Seize your moment in the Fall.??

?Beauty is everywhere – and in each of us (always).

Fall is unique in that life and nature around us seem to be on fire – Look around. Leaves are a sight to behold! Their colors are eye-catching, even mesmerizing. The fiery red, the beautiful yellow, or the deep orange leaves briefly take on the role that flowers play in the Spring and Summer.

Leaves get out of their box and explore what it is to be center stage. The leaves put aside feelings of insecurity and shyness, showing out and off! It's a reminder for all of us to let our light shine. It's an invitation to get out of our comfort zone and not let anyone (not even the voice in your head) put us in a box—an opportunity to eliminate our limiting beliefs regarding the roles ascribed to us by society. Like leaves in the Fall, we can be something different and spectacular, even if it's only for a short season. So, let's all remember to bloom wherever we are planted. Let's give ourselves the freedom and permission to re-invent ourselves and expand our horizons! I see and imagine you, letting your gorgeous and vibrant (fall) colors show. You are beautiful!?

Letting go - of limiting beliefs?

Letting go of anything is difficult. One thing I admire about Autumn, whether it be the trees or the birds, is that they acknowledge the season they are in, not holding on to Summer and not fast-forwarding to Winter but being present in Autumn, embracing the colors, embracing each moment. Here's to an opportunity to reflect and aspire to grow old gracefully, let go gracefully, live gracefully, and leave a beautiful legacy. When it is time to let go, there is more than hope; there's abundance. Every perceived loss has seeds for rebirth, growth, and renewal. Thank you, Fall!?

?An invitation to Dance with the wind - even in our fragility??

We cannot take anything for granted; another day on the planet, another opportunity to take deep breaths - is a gift. On a windy Fall day, watching inanimate objects dance in the wind and celebrate each moment. I can't help but ask myself: How can a "lifeless" object move so gracefully? Whatever the case, we can learn something from fallen leaves dancing in the wind: Going with the flow. These leaves dance, rain or shine, to the beat of breezy weather. This spectacle provides a moment of joy with whatever life throws at them, in whatever state they may be and in whichever direction the dance takes them. During these dances, leaves don't care whether anyone is watching, laughing, criticizing, or pitying them for being dead. And remember always to dance even when we are down on the ground.

...and much more...

I could go on and write about dozens of other pearls of wisdom from this season, but I'll stop here. The few nuggets of gold from Fall highlighted here can inspire us all. Oh, and I don't want to forget the opportunity to be creative: pumpkin carving, gingerbread houses, holiday decorations, etc... Whatever Fall means to you or reminds you of, do not let the wisdom of Fall dive to the ground and be trampled on by forgetfulness, apathy, or fear. Meanwhile, I am curious to learn about what this season mean to you. Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate and let it be Fall!