As the summer sun casts its golden rays, warming our days and lengthening our evenings, we all want to get lost in the season’s euphoria. Barbecues, beach trips, and the sound of laughter filling the air. Yet, amidst this vibrant display of life, many of us are waking up to autumn—a season of falling leaves that does not match the season of summer.
Welcome to the human journey; like nature, it has unpredictable seasons. Sometimes, we find ourselves experiencing an emotional autumn in the middle of summer. It’s when the external warmth contrasts with an internal chill, a time when we feel the metaphorical leaves falling, leaving us bare and exposed. This can be a period of change, loss, illness, divorce, or introspection—when our inner world doesn’t quite match the external brightness.
Remember my friends, “Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus
Find Beauty in the Falling Leaves
The beauty of autumn lies in its falling leaves. The way they gracefully detach from the trees creates a mosaic of colors on the ground. But, this natural shedding is necessary for the renewal that follows. Similarly, our emotional autumns, though challenging, do carry a beauty of their own. They allow us to shed what no longer serves us, to let go of past hurts, outdated beliefs, and the weight of unfulfilled expectations.
In these moments, gratitude becomes a powerful tool because Autumn teaches us how beautiful it is to let things go.
It’s not always about being thankful for the good times but finding appreciation in the lessons and growth that come from our struggles. I find that embracing gratitude during our autumns can transform our perspective, allowing us to see the falling leaves not as losses but as opportunities for renewal.
I remember a summer not too long ago, filled with bright days and joyful activities, yet inside, I was going through autumn. And while the world celebrated the season, I felt a profound loneliness and emptiness. I struggled to reconcile my internal state with the external world. Not to mention the guilt that surfaced from being unable to express the why behind my feelings.
Today, even though the sun shines in the middle of summer and I have even things to be grateful for, I felt like all my leaves were falling off, leaving me bare and exposed without an explanation. I turned to nature for solace. I walked 8 miles on Vernon Rails to Trails; I ran into some trail friends, and after I socialized, I found a quiet spot by the water where I could sit and observe the trees, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. As I watched, a leaf fell in my lap. I smiled, said hello to the trees, and began to notice the beauty in their silent shedding, the way they let go of their leaves with such grace.
The trees showed me how lovely it is to let things go… What a lesson!
Yes, I am a being having a human experience, and sometimes it sucks! But my fellow being (wearing a tree suit) reminded me that it is ok not to be okay. It was OK to feel what I was feeling; it was just a source of energy that indicated that I was out of alignment with the divine within me. It was then that I started to feel like me again. I was able to laugh and acknowledge the subtle blessings hidden in my pain. I immediately felt grateful for this awareness, for the kindness of family, friends, my trail friends, the comfort of solitude, and the strength I discovered with the help of my tree friends.
On this human journey, you will experience seasons opposite from the calendar. But you can cultivate gratitude during your seasons of falling leaves:
- Reflect on Your Growth: Take time to journal or speak to a trusted friend or therapist about the changes you are experiencing. Acknowledge your feelings and recognize the strength it takes to navigate them.
- Find Solace in Nature: Spend time outdoors, observing the natural cycles. Nature’s ability to shed and renew can be a comforting reminder of our own resilience.
- Connect with Others: Share your journey with friends or a supportive community. Sometimes, hearing others’ stories of overcoming can inspire hope and gratitude.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay present. This can help you appreciate the small moments of beauty and peace amidst the chaos.
In every change, in every falling leaf, there is some pain, but there is also some beauty. And that’s the way new leaves grow. Autumn in summer is a reminder that life’s seasons don’t always align with the calendar. Embracing these unexpected seasons with gratitude allows us to find beauty in the falling leaves, to appreciate the process of letting go, and to welcome the promise of renewal.
As you navigate your autumns, remember that each falling leaf brings you closer to new awareness and new beginnings. In your season of change, just like the tree, you might find the strength to let go gracefully, making room for the new. I hope you find the strength to endure and the gratitude to see the hidden blessings in your struggles. And as the leaves fall, may you be reminded that this, too, is a part of the journey, leading you toward a brighter, more vibrant future.