As the year grows old, the sunshine of summer begins to fade, to be replaced with darker and colder days. The Earth recognizing its ripeness lets go of its harvest in a vibrant and majestic display, with the falling leaves signalling that the descent into the bleak desolation of winter has begun.
The end of another year is in sight and one naturally begins to assess what has passed and what the future may bring. At this time, autumn provides us with an opportunity to decipher the messages that nature, in her infinite wisdom, whispers softly to us. She provides a mirror through which our own lives are reflected and ever so gently, she guides us to acknowledge our own cycles of creation.
As we hear her call, we instinctively attune to her rhythm and turn inwards to begin our own descent into the underworld realm of our subconscious, where we look within for answers to questions about ourselves and what lies beyond us, as we enquire into the transitory nature of life, and our own impermanence.
We are challenged to face our inner darkness, acknowledging what is in our power to change, and releasing that which is no longer required. To be truthful with ourselves about the illusions we have cast by our naivety in this earthly existence, and with poignant synchronicity to the prevailing atmosphere, we must also surrender to, and accept that which we are unable to control.
As the mystery of death enters our consciousness, we are shaken out of our stupor and out of the dream world we inhabit. Here we come face to face with our own mortality and it strikes a primal fear within, that of the unknown. However, the contemplation of death can be used to keep us on track, for death humbles us, reminding us that life is a gift and helping us to shed the external trappings, revealing the treasure within, so that we may savour and appreciate the present.
Our emotions can threaten to engulf us and one may seek to evade the darkness through fear or denial, yet by summoning the courage to delve into and embrace the unknown, an opportunity for transformation is presented.
“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding” Kahlil Gibran
With the acceptance of our shadow side and the wisdom obtained from our descent into the depths of our being, we emerge, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, into a new cycle of awareness. Our enhanced perspective provides vitality, purpose and direction. With gratitude, reverence and a childlike wonder, we may again marvel at the beauty of life in all her varied forms.
For it is in death that we can find the meaning of life, and with grace, the gateway through which we may pass into a deeper realisation of our own being.
“You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” Kahlil Gibran
