Moving into Autumn
As the days grow shorter, the air grows crisper and the trees lose their leaves, Autumn shows us the majesty of maturity and the beauty and ease of letting go. Nature provides a time to draw all energy inwards, to cast off what is no longer needed and prepare for the stillness and modesty of Winter.
As we learn to live a natural life, body, mind and spirit can be nurtured in ways that are supported by the season. Activities, food and relaxation naturally change from one season to the next and when we fall into step with this change, we thrive.
Get outdoors before it gets too cold. Walking, gardening and bike riding are great activities for a beautiful Autumn day. Be aware of the change of temperature and keep warm all over especially in the mornings and evenings when the air is crisp. Breathe through the nose when the air is cold to protect the lungs. Drink plenty of warm liquids to counter the dryness of the season.
Switch to autumn vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms and increase root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets. Plant winter greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard, etc.) so they can be added to soups.
Read the greats; stories, poems and ideas that have withstood the test of time. Read a little every day preferably at the same time. Practise peacefulness and generosity.
I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content.
- Lin Yutang
The spirits of the air live on the smells
Of fruit; and joy, with pinions light, roves round
The gardens, or sits singing in the trees.
Thus sang the jolly Autumn as he sat;
Then rose, girded himself, and o’er the bleak
Hills fled from our sight; but left his golden load.
- William Blake, To Autumn
Have you ever noticed a tree standing naked against the sky,
How beautiful it is?
All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness
There is a poem, there is a song.
Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring.
When the spring comes, it again fills the tree with
The music of many leaves,
Which in due season fall and are blown away.
And this is the way of life.
- Krishnamurti on Autumn
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