Most of us view life as linear with beginnings and endings. Nature, however, showcases life as infinite, cyclical and circadian – forever changing and repeating.
September 22nd marks the Autumn Equinox when the Sun shines directly on the Equator, and day and night are of equal length. And we welcome Autumn! In my town the summer heat has already dissipated. The autumn crispness and coolness surrounds me. I sit snuggled in my warm sweater, sipping some hot ginger chai.
There’s something so nostalgic about autumn. The scents, the colors, the foods and the holidays. The days get shorter, shadows lengthen, and the trees undress in the most remarkable way. Most of us know the science behind the exquisite exhibition of colors. But past the science, a stirring inquiry emerges. Why does nature make dying so spectacular? Crimson, saffron, orange – all the colors of the setting sun.
Why does nature make dying so spectacular?
I love Joseph Rhea's soulful explanation:
There’s nothing wrong with the summer leaves. It’s me. Repetition inoculates me against wonder. I don’t have capacity to delight again and again at each new, unfurling leaf. In autumn, the creativity of God hollers. Autumn wakes us to a world of wonder.
Repetition inoculates me against wonder. I don’t have capacity to delight again and again at each new, unfurling leaf.
Autumn is the season of truth, transparency and wisdom. Nature is embracing change and letting go. Leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll subsides and the green color no longer conceals the underlying colors, displaying beauty and vulnerability. Autumn’s beauty is bright, loud, bold. It’s everywhere and hard to miss!
In autumn, the creativity of God hollers. Autumn wakes us to a world of wonder.
With every shedding, revealing and rearranging, a deeper wisdom settles in nature. The same wisdom that settles in nature, settles in you. And in me!
So, I invite you to embrace Autumn's delight and wisdom.
Embrace the Autumn Delight.
Warm sun, dewy grass.
Crisp fall air, clear blue skies.
Spectacular autumn colors.
A sacred pause.
Embrace the Autumn Wisdom.
There must be darkness in order to have light.
Beauty is found in every fleeting moment.
Realize the transition between worlds.
There must be darkness in order to have light.
~ Rimmi Singh