The early morning light casts the canopy in a golden sheen. I lay on the sandy soil with a few of my neighbours, joined in some gentle exercise. My gaze is fixed on the tall pines above me. It strikes me how easy it is to neglect the beauty of the forest around me. I see the world differently when in the right state of body and mind. My vision sharpens, colours become more vivid, and the intricacies of the forest come to life.
A deep awareness of beauty transforms my mind, too. My thoughts are beautiful in such moments, and I am inclined to feelings of gratitude, trust, and hope. While the rising sun warms my skin, I understand how we need practices to reconnect to the mundane, simple joy of being alive. Nature patiently waits for us, welcoming us to revel in the beauty of her creation together whenever we are ready. It is why I do what I do.
The forest loses its lustre when a random thought about an impending tax deadline visits me. I chuckle, amused by the pendulum of seemingly gaining and losing awareness of something right before me.
Everything is ending
Summer will slowly make way for Autumn, and it will become easier to reflect on our circumstances. August marks the transition. The energetic shift precedes the tangible manifestation by about a month, but you can already discern the first subtle signs when you look for them. It has been a strange Summer, wetter than ever, and I recognize that my somewhat nostalgic desire for the heat to persist is, in fact, Autumn already gently encouraging me to let go.
The subtle sense that everything is ending characterizes the autumnal energy. It is a necessary part of growing up, and we get to practice with it every year. Pleasure and play make way for maturity and wisdom, and Autumn will take us by the hand to release our self-importance and work toward something of value.
The first half of the Fall is the most productive time of the year, up to the Autumn Equinox in late September. Charged by Summer’s energy, we prepare for the harvest and try to bring home everything we have built throughout the year. We transition out of our languid state and prepare for work that requires sagacity.
I cannot help but consider what lies ahead, sizing up everything that needs doing before I face the more challenging seasons living a simple life in the woods. Whenever you feel Autumn’s first impulse, try to make space for it. Motivation tends to fizzle out when saved for later, turning joy into obligation and making it harder to get started. By not letting things pile up, whatever you must work on stays pleasurable, and you will move through the coming time with ease and grace.
Published on by Sacha Post. This essay is part of the weekly letters. Explore more essays on summer in the archives.