Just like that, it’s fall!

How was your summer?

Summer here was busy for me, but balanced.

I completed an 8-week course called The Heart Of Compassion: Mahayana Wisdom For Everyday Life, and took my Bodhisattva vows on August 22nd.

Sounds fancy, but really it’s just a personal commitment to myself, my study, my practice, and my path.

I’m continuing my qigong mentorship, which is filled with lots of investigation, and I did a 5-day meditation retreat at home, which was the best retreat experience I’ve ever had.

I also just started a course on 21 of the Taras! Did you know there are actually 108? I’m just dipping my toe in.

Anyway, I wanted to pop in today to offer a few thoughts as we move into fall.

It’s definitely one of my favorite times of year, but I know that’s not true for everyone.

Though we all love the changing leaves, clear blue skies, and crisp air, the coming of colder days and longer nights can be challenging.

Fall is a time of appreciation for summer bounty: The plants, flowers, and gardens that have shared their lushness with us all season.

The earth signals us to slow down, take stock, and let go.

Can we listen and take its cues?

In the Chinese Five Element Theory, fall is related to the element of metal, which is formed from the earth’s hot, molten core.

From the heat and movement of the earth’s plates, mountains, plateaus, and hills are created.

Metal is also related to the minerals magnesium, calcium, silver, and gold, as well as precious gemstones diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

The earth is so abundant in her gifts!

Metal relates to the qualities of inspiration, nourishment, and letting go of what no longer serves us.

Fall is the yin to spring’s yang.

It’s hard not to be inspired when you glimpse the color palette of the changing leaves in the autumn light.

As the leaves fall and the trees begin to go dormant, we’re reminded that release is a natural part of the life cycle.

We’re asked to let go of things each day: As the sun goes down, at the end of each exhale, when a job is lost, a relationship ends, or a friend, family member, or pet leaves us.

Letting go is hard and sometimes downright sucks, but if we give ourselves time and space, we may find an immense appreciation for all that we have in our lives.

Fall’s shorter days and darker nights call us to slow down, find value in our bodies, and remember the preciousness of our minds and spirits.

We can use our practices to create more space to reflect, let light in, and cultivate an inner radiance as the nights grow long and dark.

Fall is a great time to contemplate these questions…

1. Who or what in my life inspires me?

2. What are my top 3 values in relationships, health, and work / household?

3. What do I need to let go of? Perhaps habitual thoughts and patterns, or physical belongings.

4. Are my practices supporting me in the ways that I need? What’s at the heart of the teachings I’m studying? Am I consistently showing up for myself?

I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below, and I’ll leave you with this beautiful quote…

“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Fall!

Warmly,
Michele