Crispy Autumn Air

The air is crisp and the sun is setting. It is autumn. Often, autumn sneaks up on me, and before I have prepared my heart and mind for it, it is here. This time, I welcomed it in a way I had not done before. Usually, I feel a sadness. But, not this time. As I prepared the withering plants, and the browning leaves, I felt grateful. These gems of nature were saying their goodnight prayers in order to rest and rejuvenate during the cold of winter. As I worked in my garden, and harvested the remaining tomatoes, peppers, sage, oregano and rosemary, I thanked each plant for its service. They had given abundantly, and I had reaped the goodness of what they offered. They had given, and I, and others with whom I had shared had received. They had finished their course. Their season had ended.

When I had finished my work, I sat still and breathed in the crisp autumn air. I breathed deeply and allowed my body to be refreshed. My mind too felt refreshed. Sitting in the garden in the setting of the sun, I reflected on the season which was now done. The summer had been long, hot and busy. Most days during the summer, I worked during the early morning hours before the sun beat upon me, forcing me to surrender and seek shelter. When I returned to my summer garden in the evenings, the mosquitoes awaited me in hopes of lighting upon patches of unprotected skin, and feasting upon me in surprise attacks. Despite the challenges of my summer garden, the yields were stunningly beautiful, and in many cases, exceptionally delicious. The summmer garden was plentiful in rewards, and now the autumn garden offers its own rewards.

The crispy autumn air reminds me to slow down. I see autumn as a time of reflection. It is a time to take inventory and salvage the good while disgarding that which is no longer useful. In life, some things serve a purpose for a season. When the season has ended, it is important to be grateful for what was, and look forward to new beginnings. Happy autumn.