I have always loved autumn. Ever since I was a child, I looked forward to the days when the sweaters would come out of the closet, the socks would come out of the drawer, the hats and mittens would come out of storage. I love watching the farmers harvest the crops. I love the movement of wildlife as they find their perfect winter habitats. I enjoy a nippy, sunny afternoon, and I even welcome the shorter days, as I feel my own body craving a bit of winter hibernation. It’s all good.
My love for fall has always been a bit perplexing for me, though, as fall also stirs some very sad memories from my childhood. When I was 8 years old, on November 28th, I lost my father to leukemia. It really came unexpected for me, as we had been praying for a miracle, and as a child of that age, I truly believed in miracles. My dad died right around Thanksgiving, so those first years after his death, Thanksgiving was also a reminder of something I was not thankful for.
Thus, my perplexing thoughts… how did it so happen that I could take a very sad time for me and my family and make it my favorite time of year? I really don’t know. I can’t explain it. All I can do is try to explain what autumn does for me.
I think it starts with the concept of “harvest.” This is the time when we reap what we sow. I have always liked that thought. We get from the Universe what we give to it. If we put postive energy out there, we get that positive energy back. That idea has always worked for me.
Perhaps I love autumn because I feel like the hot, slow pace of summer is replaced by quicker steps, a quicker pace. That interprets to a jump in the energy as well. It’s almost a renewal of energy, for me.
And then, it may be because of the foods we prepare during these cooler days and nights: chilis and stews, soups and roasts. All those comfort foods. We use the heat from the oven to heat up our kitchens and heat up our bodies and heat up our hearts. Comforting indeed.
And importantly, I prefer fall over any other season because it triggers “together” time during the holidays. We plan our family gatherings around the holidays. We plan our get togethers with our friends. We make efforts to renew contact with those whom we may have lost touch with over the summer.
Finally, I think that autumn provides us that reminder to count our Blessings. On the calendar, Thanksgiving is denoted as a time to review all we are thankful for in our lives, but for me, it is the season that triggers that inspiration. And so as we enjoy this fall season, I am reminded that I am extremely thankful for YOU, for your support and belief in me as I have grown my yoga and wellness business this year. You brought the business to where it is today, and for that, I am eternally thankful.
Many Blessings!