As we journey thorough autumn, the changing leaves and shortening days can speak to us of a life well-lived. We can be nudged by the autumn to embrace thankfulness, release, letting go, preparation, transformation... and the invitation to be more dog! Louise F. first brought the following reflection to the St Denys Creation group on a wet and windy Tuesday evening. It really resonated with the group and so we thought we'd share it wider through this blog.

As the leaves turn and days shorten, I see that autumn offers a poignant reminder of the nature of life. And I have found within it many invitations...

To celebrate accomplishments and nurture thankfulness: Autumn is linked with harvest. This season's bountiful harvests—of crops, fruits, and vegetables—serve as tangible reminders of the rewards that come from careful planning and hard work. In a spiritual sense, it's also a time to gather the personal growth and insights we've cultivated throughout the year. Celebrating these accomplishments, whether they be from our gardens, our careers, or our personal journeys, instills a feeling of satisfaction and thankfulness that nourishes the soul and prepares us for the future.

To make space by releasing the old: Autumn teaches us the grace and necessity of releasing what no longer serves us. Just as trees shed their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for the stillness of winter, we too are encouraged to let go of outdated beliefs, habits, or attachments that weigh us down. This seasonal release is not a loss but a natural cycle of renewal, making space for new growth and transformation. In surrendering the old, we free ourselves from the burdens of the past, opening ourselves up to fresh perspectives and possibilities. Autumn’s quiet wisdom reminds us that there is power in letting go and trusting that what is meant to stay will return in its own time.

To see the beauty in letting go: Autumn’s falling leaves are nature’s gentle reminder of the beauty found in letting go. Trees release their vibrant foliage not in despair, but in trust, knowing that this shedding is necessary for renewal and growth in the seasons to come. In our own lives, we often hold onto things—whether it be relationships, beliefs, or experiences—that may have served their purpose but now weigh us down. Letting go, though difficult, can be a liberating act of faith, allowing us to create space for new possibilities and growth. Autumn teaches us that there is no shame in release; instead, there is grace and beauty in knowing when to loosen our grip and surrender to life’s natural cycles

To embrace transformation: Autumn is the epitome of transformation. As the landscape shifts from lush greenery to a tapestry of gold and crimson, we are reminded of the beauty and inevitability of change. This season encourages us to embrace transformation with an open heart, understanding that each change brings with it the promise of renewal and growth. Whether it's a change in our environment, relationships, career, or personal beliefs, autumn's transformative energy supports us in shedding what's outdated and embracing new ways of being.

To accept that change is a sign of life: Autumn reminds us that change is one of life's constant themes. As leaves transition from vibrant greens to rich ambers and reds before finally succumbing to the ground, the visual metaphor invites us to reflect on our own lives recognizing that our joys, challenges, and everyday moments are equally fleeting.  Maybe a reminder that each moment holds its own unique beauty and significance that, once passed, will never return in quite the same way. 

To fortify ourselves to thrive: Autumn heralds a time of preparation, urging us to ready ourselves for the coming winter just as nature does. Animals gather food, trees release their leaves, and we, too, can use this season as an opportunity to fortify our inner and outer worlds.  Autumn encourages us to reflect on our needs, set intentions, and cultivate habits that support our well-being in the colder, darker months ahead. By aligning ourselves with this natural progression  we ensure that we are not just surviving the winter season, but thriving within it, nurtured by the thoughtful groundwork laid in the season.

To explore our own inner equilibrium: Autumn is a time of clocks changing symbolizing the delicate balance between light and darkness. As the season progresses, the balance tips, leading us into longer nights and shorter days. This natural shift invites us to explore our own inner equilibrium, reflecting on how we can harmonize our brighter and darker aspects. Autumn challenges us to accept the shadows within as essential components of our wholeness, just as light cannot exist without darkness. Embracing this balance can lead to profound personal growth and understanding, as we learn to see the beauty in both our strengths and vulnerabilities, and how they collectively shape us.

And... to be more dog: I challenge you to  when you are next out on a walk to live in the moment. When I am walking alone,I am often thinking of what I am cooking for the next meal, chores that need doing and generally not taking in the beauty of nature.  My dog enjoys every second of a walk, just enjoying the present, sniffing, rolling in leaves and trotting happily amongst the beauty