As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden. Fall is the right time to practice getting out of the way and letting spirit take charge of our lives.
And since fall has arrived I thought I would touch on love...
"Falling in love,” is significant because no one rises in love or climbs in love. You fall in love, because something of who you are has to go. If not the whole of you, at least a part of you does. Only then there is a love affair. If you are willing to give up a bit of yourself for the sake of the other. If you can look at everything lovingly, the whole world becomes beautiful in your experience. You realize love is not something that you do; love is the way you are.
Fall reminds us of the briefness of everything. We have experienced the budding of life in spring and the flowerings and surpluses of summer. Now the leaves fall and bare branches remind us of the fleeting nature of all things. Contemplate fall's changes and grow more appreciative of all the beauties that surround us and in your relationships. Challenge everyday and live it to the fullest.
Finally, Cynthia Kneen, in Awake Mind, Open Heart shares an open heart practice to carry with you into the fall.
"When you are brave and have an open heart, you have affection for this world — this sunlight, this other human being, this experience. You experience it nakedly, and when it touches your heart, you realize this world is very fleeting. So it is perfect to say 'Hello means good-bye.' And also, 'My hope, hello again.' "
