So much of life is about cycles – a sequence of events that repeat on a regular basis. We are seeing it now as the trees start to erupt into their annual display of colour before the leaves fall to earth. Whilst some may suggest we’re nearing the end of the seasonal cycle; it can also be argued that it’s actually only just beginning.
A while back I read a book called Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature. One chapter in it is given over to the Natural Cycle – an eighth point cycle, named by the points of a compass that can be used to plot out any activity. In this, it is the West where autumn sits. Here it is seen as a time to reap and celebrate the harvest of what has been this year before we go into the quiet and still of winter.
I always used to think of autumn as a sad time – it was when things started to die back ready for the winter – but now I see it as the start of what’s to come. Those leaves that fall add nutrients into the soil, nutrients that the trees and plants will need over the colder, darker months to ensure they’re ready to bloom again when the spring arrives once more. It’s a time to reflect on what has been – and learn from it. To make plans for what will be done differently next time round.
It’s a time for us to reflect on what has happened in our own lives over the past year. To look at what we can let go of, that can perhaps offer us the nutrients to keep going over the quieter months and grow once more when the light is right for us to do so.
Invitation: Take time to look at your own life – what could you let go of this autumn?
If you feel inspired to take this invitation – you are welcome to share in the comments what you are noticing.
The Eco Monkey 