We learn to let go.
While out walking the dogs in the crisp autumn air this morning, I was reflecting on the “autumns of our days”. How the cycle of life is reflected in the cycles of days, each year, and in the totality of our life cycle.
Mornings are like spring – we wake up, the day is new, opportunities exist. If we went to bed upset, morning is a chance to regroup and start fresh.
In the typical day, morning then evolves into a day of activity, just like summer. We go to work or various activities, and the focus is on “getting things done”. There is more movement and energy expenditure.
In the late afternoon/evening, the day begins to wind down. We come home from work, perhaps changing into something “more comfortable”, and go about nesting, making a meal, taking a breath, and letting go of the day. I love that autumn invites me to settle in, make soup, take a breath.
Then winter comes, and just as the earth rests, so do we. Everything rests.
Breathing and letting go happens with every breath, with every day, and in each season of our lives. The natural cycles of days, seasons and years continue. It reminds me of all that is so natural and good.
This poem by Zen teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh speaks it even better:
Autumn Leaf
I asked the leaf if it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling.
The leaf answered, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree.
I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all.
As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon’.”
That day a wind came blowing, and a while later, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree.
It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf.
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