Hello Fall!

I’ve taken a long break I know; suddenly I had nothing to say, no experiences to share, or none that mattered. Yet I’ve been admiring the coming of autumn all these mornings, but words wouldn’t come, or they’re never adequate. To begin, and let’s keep perspective here, we are talking about seasons in Southern California, compared to many parts of the world these are mild changes: it is chilly in the mornings and evenings, so I wrap myself with warm blankets, and I grab some hot tea, then I go find my favorite blogs (like this), or a magazine (like this). Then the sun rays enter the room, not as bright as a summer morning, inviting for action, but soft and welcoming, asking for contemplation. And there is the view from my window; still green but many fallen dry leaves on the patio, further in the distance trees gradually changing color, and birds coming and going. And during my drive to LA in the evenings, to take my son to his soccer practice, we see sunsets behind us, and as the day turns to dark we are energized to see the soccer field lights from far which wrap around them during practice, and then there is the moon I admire each practice night, bright and always changing, out there in the open space where I walk.

Everything is changing, I feel it in my bones, and the evidence is always out there. The change in seasons is gradual yet drastic, we find ourselves living in a different world with different habits, we can’t ignore it, even in this part of the world. And whether we recognize it or not, we are changing with it. This excites me, not because I am bored or in desperate need of change, but because change also means evolving, being another way. Don’t we know it; when we are not changing, life will force us to do so by creating obstacles and chaos. In my case I’m evolving to leave guilt out of these solitary moments of joy. And yes there is chaos, in that I find myself driving further and further for soccer practices as the venue keeps changing; so I either evolve to be a Zen driver with enormous patience, and use the prolonged time in the car to further connect with my son, or, I find another way.

Wherever you are in your journey, it is time to wrap yourself in warm blankets, grab some hot tea with your beautiful hands, and contemplate, where you are, and where you want to be or just who you are this season, on this beautiful autumn day…