The Season of Letting Go

Every season brings us change and a new opportunity to look at life differently .

I love the beautiful colors of fall. The crispness in the air, the scenic drives, the reflections along the river on sunny days, the misty coolness of the mornings. For some, it's all about football. For others, it's about honoring the change. No matter what, we can always count on the fact change is constant.

We all know about spring cleaning but what about fall?  I call it, 'fall clearing.'

A friend and I were recently talking about this season and being compelled to get rid of 'stuff.' Not just extras, but excess. Learning to let go of things that no longer have fuction or purpose, letting go of things that no longer serve the best versions of ourselves and letting go of emotional attachments to 'stuff' that's just lingering, like dead branches on trees. Not to mention, you can use this time to mindfully use 'fall clearing' to clear out emotional stuff, too.

From another blog that inspired some of my thoughts today:

'Nature is pruning, composting, distilling form into essence. I, too, am compelled to let go in autumn. After summers’ great abundance and activity I am ready for stillness.' 

'What treasured moments will I store in my pantry of memories? What cluttering possessions can I prune away and pass along to someone who needs them? What activities can I let go of so I enjoy life more? How can I focus my energy on what is most vital?'

Not only do I tend to go through everything and clear out summer stuff, packing some of it away for next year, but I give away a lot, too. Getting rid of excess just makes the cooped up winter space feel cleaner and lighter. And I won't ever regret making room for more sweaters, scarves and boots.

Turn a new leaf, rake up the baggage and burn it out of you. Whether it's out of your yard, out of your home or out of your life. Changing like the weather isn't a good thing. Changing with the weather is the flow you're after. You get to choose how you want to best utilize this season, changing into change, that will last.