As I look at the leaves on the trees and then after a storm on the ground, I think of them becoming part of the mulch that will form new soil for next year’s growth. And in this, how we humans are presented with the harvest of our year’s endeavors that becomes the “mulch” for next year’s beginnings.
In the telling, I wonder how I could possibly write a seasonal newsletter before the flavor of that season is revealed to me. I wonder how magazines are able to be written before a month or quarter is truly upon us. Is it done a year ahead? And if so, how can this moment be captured before it occurs? I’ve mentioned it before, and wonder if you’ve also noticed that you cannot project how you will feel, or the insights you will have in the future based on your present vantage point. Looking at the leaves and trees, and translating them to us, how do we know what this year’s nakedness will feel like until the cloak we’ve worn is dropped to reveal the essence of ourselves? I am not the same person I was last fall. My reactions this year are quite different from last. We tend to jump too far ahead - to want too much explained before it’s time. So the message of autumn is beauty and exquisite color, followed by necessary shedding and the cleaning up process to remove the remnants of our activities…the leavings. From this we move to winter and pondering…to the barren external landscape that offers room for inner reflection. No more are we dazzled by the leaves, or the colors, or the changing weather. There will be no visual distraction.
But for now…the falling leaves…the brilliance…this autumn!
