What Fills You Up?

What fills you up when you’re on empty - birdsong, blowing leaves, sunsets, music? The change of seasons brings about a tidal bore of emotions -some joy, some dread, some landing in a place of quiet acceptance.

I see the hints of crimson and gold-the tired leaf tips surrendering to fading sunlight. The chestnuts first to sing the autumn song. Quiet streets, parking places, mums and fireplaces.

Thinking of the acrobats that balance on top of large balls-walking globe performers- stepping and shifting this way and that to make up for the movement of the ball and their body weight. Perhaps that is what we do as the seasons change. We step this way and that-we readjust our footing in order to keep our balance-we get out the fall colors and pumpkin spice and prepare for what lies ahead. Thick novels on the nightstand-chai tea in the cupboard and a fleece blanket nearby. We readjust our footing-we balance what is and what lies ahead-and hopefully we breathe in the freshness of a new season with new expectations and wonderful things to look forward to.

There are those who dread the darkness-the loss of warm summer days - as though it might change the trajectory of the earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. Year after year the same sadness of what is to come. But a slight shift can reap a bountiful harvest.

I say bring on the turtlenecks, the flannel and the boots – the pumpkins, and pumpkin spice, the apples and the apple pies- the warmth of the fireplace, the sunshine filtered through the window panes and the invitation to slow our breathing and hibernate- an acknowledged rest from trying to fit so much into a single day. What a lovely time of year to explore inner pursuits and quiet interests. I think perhaps the seasons were designed for just that –the bear, the chipmunk, the bullfrog.

This week I had to bid adieu to my favorite little hummingbirds after a summer of being mesmerized by their antics- tis a sad day-that leaves a residual hope for their appearance again in spring. I do pray for their safe flight and wonder about the next stop on their journey-the new faces they’ll learn-the food sources they’ll depend on. Little poets of the sky. Of all the world’s riches, I find their friendship is indeed one of the truest.

I packed away the beach bag, the sunscreen, the beach read-vowing next summer to be there more often- a similar promise made every year adding penance for each promise not kept.

What an invitation we are offered to absorb all of the beauty of the seasons – to revel in what the spinning of the earth delivers to our doorsteps. To let the vastness of our souls grasp the mystery of life - knowing that not a bit of resistance changes the tides.

May autumn surround you with peace and beauty – and fill you up like hot chocolate on a cold, windy day.