Cozying Up to Fall

Sometimes, I can’t believe that I used to dread the onset of fall. Why was its arrival so worrisome? Because fall meant that winter was on its way. And winter was even worse than fall. Months of short days and freezing weather combined with the inevitable onset of cabin fever. None of which I found pleasant.

Whatever was a lady to do in such conditions?

Fortunately, I’ve learned to stop dreading the slower, colder seasons. Enough trips around the sun have shown me that yes, spring does always eventually come, and if I can just wait out the cold and darkness, I’ll make it to see the daffodils before too long. In other words, it’s gotten easier to deal with as I’ve grown older.

When the wind is chilly, I can snuggle under a fuzzy blanket inside our warm, cozy home. When I’m lonely from the quiet of winter, I have my husband to turn to. When I’m sad from gray days, my dog is right here. Things are good, even if the world is growing still for a while.

That anxiety that came with the arrival of fall and winter has loosened its grip, and I’m even able to enjoy the seasons now.

This year, I’ve noticed the leaves put on perhaps their most brilliant display yet. I couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful they were. It seemed impossible that all of us could go about our business like usual, taking for granted that nature’s artwork was on display all around us. My drives to a nearby town to meet my friend for coffee were breathtaking; the ride along the country roads almost impossibly bright with yellows and oranges of every shade.

Into our second week of November, those colors have muted, signaling the trees to drop their leaves almost simultaneously.

But still they’re lovely.

The wind swirls them into small whirlpools under the tree trunks, and their movement sounds like whispers of advice. It’s a beautiful thought, too, that as they turn brown and break down, they’re nourishing the soil for the next season.

The Buddhist Reverend of the temple Alex and I sometimes take part in recently discussed the idea of being aligned with our true nature. I, a person who analyzes things to a detrimental extreme, was conflicted about this concept. I asked the Reverend how you could be certain you’re living according to your true nature.

Am I more myself when I’m extroverted? Introverted? When I have a careful balance of the two? Am I aligned with my true nature when I’m writing? Or more so when spending time with the people I love? Or is my true nature abundant when I’m all alone with no personal or material influences? Maybe my true nature comes out when I’m facing terrible life challenges, or, on the other hand, perhaps I demonstrate it through my state of mind in times of peace and calmness?

The Reverend referenced a special tree in our yard and suggested I consider how the tree lives. Perhaps doing that would give me insight into my true nature. She mentioned how the tree doesn’t ask itself the questions I was asking myself. The tree doesn’t worry. It simply is.

And like that tree, and like me, fall and winter just exist. There’s no stopping them. So during these colder months, I’m ready to keep on going. I’ve got a draft to finish by November 30 (it’s happening!), some cookies to bake, and more projects that are waiting to be developed.

I hope you’re ready for all the good things that are coming your way this season, too!

How do you feel about the changing of the seasons? What are you looking forward to in the coming months? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!