Cusp of Autumn

 We are on the cusp of Autumn, and I want to take time to prepare myself - body, mind, and spirit. I'm taking this whole week to bring my attention to the shift we are undergoing - attempting to slow down, simplify my schedule where possible, and celebrate.

Agenda:

1. Read "Earth Walks"

2. Fall possibilities

3. Practice a Reverent Way of Being

4. Nature culture practices for fall

5. Fall vignettes

1. Read "Earth Walks":

I'm re-reading a book by James Endredy called Earthwalks for Body and Spirit. In the introduction he says, "These walks have the ability to move energy in very precise ways that lead to personal transformation and healing for both yourself and Earth by allowing yourself to see your life and actions from the perspective of the natural world."

Wow! That's what I'm talking about. This book is a masterclass in finding unity with nature.

Last time I read this book I thought I could only take these walks in "nature", so I didn't get very far. Really, this is a practice for how to walk through life at all times, on a healing path, walking "into and out of lessons" as they appear. The author calls it walking the endless school: "It is the truest form of movement that we have been given ... Through walking we can look at our lives and our place in the grand scheme with new eyes while in communion with everything surrounding us."

What follows in the book is a lot of details about how to walk with intention, "in a way that is as fluid as the water in a flowing river ... This state of being can be applied to all aspects of life and can spread from you to all those around you."

2. Fall possibilities:

We are one week away from the Fall Equinox, and I have a few practical and contemplative preparations to make: I want to prepare projects to share with my grandson, plan my next art and writing themes, and set some intentions for this new phase of the year. Also, I need to prepare for a week-long train trip!

I give myself permission at the start of fall to try something absolutely new - start a new study of an unfamiliar subject, practice a new way to paint, focus on a new inner challenge, dream of outlandish notions, and / or experiment with new ways of organizing my days. And I also want to remember to include old fall favorites.

Today I will take a moment to write down some wild and fun projects, goals, and ideas for the next season of my life.

1. Take a long train trip and celebrate partnership 
2. Start a daily seeing-drawing practice
3. Prepare for and buy a hot tub!
4. Walk the Ridgeline Trail
5. Transform our front to 50% native plants
6. Organize a Nature-Culture reading group

3. Practice a Reverent Way of Being:

My practice is to adopt a Reverent Way of Being for the days before each turning point of the year, which is to say I will be respectful and humble, and use a discipline of speech and thought that I find difficult to maintain for long periods of time.

Specifically, I will be impeccably honest, and tell no little fibs. Also, I won't gossip or say (or even think) anything negative about anyone. I will keep my temper and exhibit a calm presence. I find it useful to practice being virtuous for a few days at regular intervals throughout the year!

My vow at this cusp of fall: No fighting; Take it slow; Remember to BE me - Mindful, loving, and present.

4. Nature-culture practices for fall:

This fall I will focus my efforts on:

• Staying in daily touch with my home ecosystem - observing and interacting, learning the names of the flora and fauna that visit in the fall; being mindful of the season and climate; - and especially the air quality - becoming a better neighbor.
• Planting more native plants to reverse some of the human-caused habitat destruction that is hurting wildlife; plant native iris, fleabane, and blue-eyed grass, plus move clumps of fern, yarrow, and Oregon sunshine.
• Natural living - attempting to build healthier soil over the winter, and collect and save seeds; sing less plastics and less processed foods (especially while traveling); causing less harm.
• Paying forward by educating others and advocating for nature; specifically, make a habitat neighbor page to share the work I've done and encourage stretching the habitat, and write about "Our Garden, Our Earth" for the Meeting.

5. Fall vinettes:

As fall approaches, I begin to deck the house with the oranges and golds of fall, and the fruits of the season: Gourds, pumpkins, corn, and wheat. September overflows with textures, colors, and scents; I find ways to fill my home with them, and give attention to rich details. Some ideas:

• Hang colorful corn on the front porch. 

• Hang a straw weaving in a place of honor.

• An end-of-summer nature tray. 

• Sage and rosemary hanging to dry.
• Bake bread and make soup.
• Collect acorns in a glass jar with grandsons.
• Add sparkle lights for the fort under the kitchen table.
• Collect a vase full of autumn flowers for the mantle.

Fall flower symbols: 

• purple asters for love and patience 
• sunflowers for truth 
• zinnias for friendship and resilience 
• chrysanthemums for strength and endurance