Kathy L. Barr's Newsletter from The Heart's Journey Healing Center

Autumn is nature's most glorious sunset. Light gradually gives way to darkness. The land abounds with brilliant colors. Flocks of migrating geese point the way home. The bounty of the earth is harvested and the fields are left to rest. All of nature is preparing for a long sleep. Through nature's wisdom, autumn displays the joyous surrender that must take place before transformation and rebirth can occur.

Autumn is my favorite time to venture into the woods to witness the smell, the sights, the sounds, and the sensations of this dramatic season. I feel called to be apart of the change going on around me and encouraged to follow suit in my own life. Every year, autumn brings to the foreground three important life lessons:

First, I am reminded: Change is not only good, it is absolutely brilliant! At other times of the year change is often slow, gradual and imperceptible. But in autumn the bright reds and oranges and yellows, shout out the glory of transformation. They yell, "Do it now! Go for it!" Too often we fear or ignore impending change. Autumn is warning us change is coming, it's inevitable, prepare for what is ahead. The birds are migrating to warmer territories; the squirrels are gathering food for the tough times ahead. It's time for me to take stock of where my life is now, look at what lies ahead, and gather the necessary skills, supports and supplies I will need for the journey.

Secondly, I recognize: You gotta' let go! Stop holding onto everything! Grievances, regrets, possessions, attitudes... I cannot truly change by adding more layers upon layers. If the tree doesn't shed its leaves, the branches will break under the weight of the first snow. Similarly, letting go strengthens me, makes me more durable and flexible. It is a great time to examine what I am holding onto and what is weighing me down. Autumn encourages me to just drop all this dead weight. And to my surprise, like the leaves, these heavy burdens don't crash and explode when let go, they just quietly drift away.

Third, I realize: There is beauty and clarity in the open spaces. By the shedding the old, new vistas appear. I am able to broaden my perspective and see unrecognized opportunities and possibilities. At the same time small details that were overlooked become self evident. Furthermore, as the branches and tree trunks become unveiled, I am reminded of my core strengths and values. A sense of gratitude deepens within me.

There is much that we can learn by observing the cycles of change in nature. I've made it a ritual each fall to take my journal into the woods and write a few pages on these three lessons. I encourage you to embrace these beautiful fall days and spend time reflecting on all that autumn teaches us. I'm sure that you will come up with your own thoughts on this. Go for a walk and notice what sights, smells, sounds or sensations grab your attention. Then ask yourself, " How is this a metaphor for my own life?" You will be surprised by the wisdom that emerges from your observations. Have fun! Happy trails!