It's Autumn!
Autumn/Fall is a time of the year which resonates deep into my
soul. It is so reflective of the circle
of life and seems to fill the world with nostalgia and darkening gloom.
Despite the beautiful colours of Autumn, the
knowledge of the icy chill of winter (just around the corner) seems to distract us from the beautiful colours which surrounds us.
Soon the gloom of winter will descend and we will think it is forever.
Is it not possible, however, to alter
this thought into one of wonder and anticipation?
Let me
explain…
We often hear the phrase “Born again” in religious circles;
a phrase which symbolises the dying of the self and the rebirth of the soul.
In my mind, Autumn symbolises this phrase
directly into the heart of nature. We can even visualise it in ourselves.
Leaves – symbols of a previous prosperous life – suddenly morph into strange,
unusual colours, and then detach themselves from trees to fall and become dust...
The incredible beauty of our surroundings suddenly disappears and leaves us with a grey world. It can be a time of depression and deepening despair.
But amidst the beautiful leaves of Autumn lies the energy of the transformation; the hope of Spring and a new world. One just has to look for it.
How often do we see this in the world at
large too?
Sometimes, usually vibrant people are suddenly struck with some fatal diseases or permanent affliction, and then sadly succumb to their illnesses?
Sometimes, usually vibrant people are suddenly struck with some fatal diseases or permanent affliction, and then sadly succumb to their illnesses?
It seems that the notions of “Autumn” and “Death” hold hands together.
But there is hope…always!!!…
This particular
branch on the tree outside our house, for example, will soon become bare.
The tree itself will loose its leaves and lie, dormant, for a couple of
months.
But in a few months, new shoots will emerge signalling spring. Suddenly the whole world will come to life.
Although,the months of winter may seem endless, we know, with certainty, that it is only transitional. The miracle of what lies below the solid
bark and the seeds which lie desolate continues to work its magic. 
Soon, a whole new world will emerge....
Perhaps as human beings, we too fall into the same process …
Is this also our season to change? To begin our own transformation?
Perhaps it's the opportunity to rest and then to embrace new-found energy: perhaps a new life; a chance to grow as a person and a precious
soul. Our Autumn is simply a transforming energy. A brand new life is on the horison - the promise is there...
But yes, like the trees, we first have to rid ourselves of our clutter –
emotional and otherwise - turn our back on the things which burden us and keep
us from springing to life.
And then, finally, we need to
embrace the wonderful, God-given hope of a new day; a new season; a new life...
Let us all rest in that hope...
With love
Caryl
Beautiful. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Caryl,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your site with me!
I agree with you about Autumn and the start of something new. Maybe it comes from my school years, decades past, when fall signaled the start of a new school year. New clothes, potential new friends, and a chance that this would be the year I wouldn't be the nerdy one. It never turned out that way, but- Oh the hope in my heart!
I wonder, being 'upside-down', if not having a big holiday event to get you through the dying-earth part, is better or worse. We get so "up" for the holiday, that once it's over the let-down is often over-whelming. January and February, which would be July and August for you, are the most dangerous months for me.
I've often thought that if I were global dictator, (not that anyone is offering that job,) my second act, after fixing the calendar into even increments that would preclude the necessity of uneven months and a leap-year, would be to move the Christmas holiday to February. Thereby create a joyous season out of the worst time of the light-depressed year.
Do you have a holiday, perhaps local in origin, that celebrates the solstice?
I have always loved autumn - the remarkable colors, the cool and crisp air and the aroma of the fallen leaves when they are raked into a pile (for either children or dogs to jump into and smile).
ReplyDeleteWinter at the tip of the Mitten State is not as depressing as some would think, given the fact that up here in addition to the cold we are blessed with snow. To me, it is miraculous to stand outside lifting your face to the falling snow realizing that each and every tiny flake that you see for miles around is unique and one-of-a-kind.