Autumn Leaves
The question, "Which is the happiest season of life?" was asked of an aged man. And he replied: "When spring comes, and in the soft air the buds are breaking on the trees, and they are covered with blossoms, I think, 'How beautiful is spring'; and when summer comes and covers the trees with its heavy foliage, and singing birds are among the branches, I think, 'How beautiful is summer.'
When autumn loads them with golden fruit, and their leaves bear the gorgeous tint of frost, I think, 'How beautiful is autumn.'
And when it is severe winter, and there is neither foliage nor fruit, then I look up through the leafless branches as I never could until now, and see the stars shine in God's home.
Today is the first day of autumn and of course for different people it means different things. It all depends where you are at in your life suppose. As I age gracefully [ahem ] I've learnt to stop resisting nature, and instead try to go with the natural flow and ebb of each season. Years ago people lived more by the seasons, they really had no choice you see, Nature, and the natural flow of darkness and light controlled their day to day life.They rose early in summer and worked until darkness. Winter on the other hand meant their working day was shorter. They had to be guided by light as there was no electricity. When night came, work stopped and as darkness set in everything became quieter and still allowing people to do likewise. Now it wasn't by any means ideal, but I do like to think there's a message in there somewhere . Of course we all have our favorite time and that ok, but a little less resistance of the seasons we don't like, might just make it a bit easier to get through.
So as the busyness of summer draws to a close, I'm going to look forward to the beauty and wisdom Autumn has in store for me. As nature slows down I will really become more aware as everything changes from greens and yellows to to a thousand shades of russetts and browns .The earth truly takes on another beauty as nature lets go and prepares for winter .
Like the gathering of the harvest I'm going to prepare for the changes ahead. I'm going to allow myself naturally slow down as the evenings shorten, helping me to flow into the stillness of winter. As I move inwards I will draw on own harvest of resources to use for the winter ahead. Resources like reading, writing, art ,yoga, meditation [occasional glass of wine maybe!!!] anything that helps me flow with ease through the hibernation of winter.
The rhythms of nature are god given and free . They weave into each other as sure as night follows day showing us that each phase of our lives should happen naturally and gracefully. take them for the gift they are, learn from them and see what happens. Appreciate and be thankful for the magic.
Winter boots I'm coming to get ya!!!!
With love, Bernie
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