On a chilly day in Boston, I sip peppermint tea and gaze out at the giant maple trees whose green leaves are just beginning to turn. The furthest edges of the branches hold leaves tipped with yellow, red or brown. These are the first traces of the new season, when the trees in New England burst into their autumn splendor.
Today, September 22nd, is the fall equinox, when the sun aligns with earth’s equator and we experience a nearly equal length day and night. “Nearly” stands out to me, serving as a gentle reminder of the imperfection inherent in our lives. Might we attempt to continuously adjust and re-balance no matter what shifts life may bring, instead of striving for an unattainable perfection?
As I observe the massive maples adjusting to this change in season, a curiosity surfaces. What wisdom can we glean from these glorious trees for ourselves?
Here are three things to consider:
The Season Invites Us to Leave What’s Heavy Behind
Trees shed their leaves in the fall in order to survive in the dark, cold winter months. While the leaves capture energy from the sun during the long summer days, dropping them in the fall allows the tree to conserve energy to sustain its life. The tree actively cuts off its own leaves and they fall to the ground to enrich the soil from which the tree feeds.
In this transition to fall, consider something that you are carrying that is not currently serving you. Might you be willing to release a leaf or two so it doesn’t drain your energy in the months ahead?
We Are Connected, Just Out of Plain Sight
While the tree appears dormant in the winter months, there is activity under the surface as the tree expands its root system for stability. Each tree also uses its roots to connect and communicate with other trees through underground mycorrhizal networks. Seemingly solitary trees are inextricably linked.
In addition to the fall equinox, my mother-in-law, Joan, passed away on this day, one year ago. She was vibrant, playful, fun and generous. Everyone who knew her felt her spirited energy. Anyone who crossed her path walked away with a smile because she always invited some sweet connection.
These trees remind me that we are all connected. In my heart, I sense we are still connected to Joan, to my own mother, to the sweet love that is who we all are at the core.
What roots connect us to those we love, just out of plain sight — both those who are breathing before us and those whose bodies no longer walk on this earth?
Tune In to the Cycles of Nature
Nature is driven by cycles. Seeing that we are a part of nature, we can benefit from tuning into these natural rhythms and being gentle with ourselves each day, each season. While we often expect that we should feel and perform the same way, every day, this is not natural.
Might we take some time to simply notice what is present in our bodies and our environment as it changes throughout the day, the week, the month, the season? From this awareness, we can make adjustments to regulate and restore balance for ourselves.
I invite you to take a few moments to get cozy, perhaps with your favorite cup of tea or blanket, and really observe a tree. Notice what you notice. Trees carry around 400 million years of ancient wisdom, so we’re sure to pick up some insight if we’re willing to see it.
In honor of my wedding day on the fall equinox 11 years ago, I invite you to sing or dance along with us to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Or have a listen and a little head-bob will do!
You are amazing my friend!! Thank you!