At Last, Fall is Here

Autumn is my favorite season. We’re getting away from the heat of summer to cooler temperatures. Beautiful fall colors are beginning to paint the canvas of our daily lives. Chefs everywhere are thinking of ways to surprise us with pumpkin spice.

Fall did not wait for anyone’s approval to step out, and neither must we. Nature has all she needs to lead us on the journey of life. We need look no further.

From a Zen perspective, I believe that this has to do with impermanence being visible. The world changes right in front of us.

Zen teaches that impermanence is not a threat. It is the very engine of awakening. Because everything changes, we are free to make some changes in our lives as well. Are you paying attention to the earth’s lessons? We don’t even need a guru to translate the message. Nature is the teacher.

When you walk through the autumn colors, know that you are not separate from it. Your breath is the same breath that moves the leaves. Your body is made of the same elements that paint the trees gold. Autumn is blowing through you. We are porous. It is not you and the wind, or you and the color. It’s you and me in alignment with going deeper as we explore impermanence and being the releaser.

Zen calls this interbeing—the truth that nothing exists alone.

Ummon teaches us about the Golden Breeze. He advises us to embody the golden breeze. Let go with grace. Trust the unfolding.

 May we each welcome the good that is here and that which is on its way. It already exists.

Know that you are loved.