Autumn is my favorite time of year. Each morning when I walk my dog, I am mindful of how this particular season speaks to my inner life. I love the sound of the leaves rustling under my feet with each step I take. Most of all, I find it useful and inspiring to take in the wisdom nature seems to offer during this season. This month, I am reminded of some of the lessons which have challenged me to grow in new ways.
On one particular morning, I remember watching one small leaf hanging from our maple tree as if suspended by an invisible thread. As it danced in the breeze, I could not help but think about how difficult it can be to “let go” at certain times. In her book, “Praying our Goodbyes,” Joyce Rupp notes that leaves seem to “give themselves over to the ‘letting go’ process much more freely than humans.”
Reflecting on this truth has helped me consider areas of my life where I find it difficult to let go. Change is not easy. Of course, there are many reasons that make it difficult to let go. Perhaps it can be as hard to let go of what is familiar and comfortable as it is to imagine a better future especially since the past is known and the future is unknown.
Eventually, I discovered the leaf “let go” and fell to the ground. It is in letting go that we make room for something new. Spring will come soon enough.
Another day, I felt a gust of wind come from behind me. It shook the trees, and I watched a multitude of leaves fly through the air in a cloud of color. I was reminded once again that sometimes change comes all at once and catches us off guard. How we navigate change depends a lot on our own resilience and resources.
As a marriage and family therapist, much of the work I do involves working with individuals, couples, and families who are facing change. Sometimes the change is startling and sudden like a gust of wind. It may be a couple facing divorce, an individual struggle with a difficult diagnosis, an employee trying to make sense of dismissal, or a family grieving the loss of a loved one. The circumstances surrounding change will often impact how well we navigate and adapt.
Just as the wind dies down and leaves settle on the ground, so also our lives calm down after times of difficulty. Sometimes the best way through a sudden change is to take comfort in knowing that eventually the air will be still again.
One of my favorite experiences occurred just a few weeks ago when a friend and I were going for a walk during a meeting break. We found ourselves picking up various leaves along the way and remarking on their beauty. Each one was unique as if painted by an artist. We were struck by the hues of red, gold, and orange. Admiring the colors and patterns of the leaves, we found joy each time we called each other’s attention to yet another leaf.
We brought the leaves back to our meeting and shared them with the other group members. The leaves called to our attention our own vulnerability to growth and change. We were reminded of the risks facing organizations, congregations and businesses in a turbulent world. Letting go of what is familiar often necessary before we can embrace new beginnings and new opportunities.
Eventually, I know the trees in my yard will be barren. Once the leaves are raked and winter sets in, we will face a new season with more lessons from nature to be learned. Until then, I am enjoying the beauty of autumn and giving thanks for the seasons of nature and how they speak to the seasons of my soul.