September symbolizes equilibrium – but often before we find balance, we experience instability, we feel impossibly wobbly. With summer waning and autumn approaching, the air feels crisp in the mornings but temperatures can get uncomfortably warm in the afternoons. Currently, wrapped in my beloved, and now trendy, flannel barn jacket, sipping chai on the front porch with my daughters and our feline companions, a sense of solace washes over me momentarily. Reflecting on the concept of balance, pending harvests and the upcoming processing stage, I pondered when it would be time to rest more than just a moment or two? I laughed at the idea of balance, when would there be enough time?
The wind blew cooly and whispered ‘soon.’
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My youngest, Lily, who rose before dawn, finally loosens her grip and slips off my hip.
I sit down and a cat nudges my hand to ask for permission to take her place.
Lyra sips her own cup of tea in a chair beside me and my mug is just within reach.
Aurora settles in on my lap and Lily follows Luna cat, toddling and tripping across the yard.
The grass is moist with dew and due for one last cut.
My husband returns home from early morning errands and joins us.
We spot a buck and his babe in the field across the street.
Mama isn’t far off, and they wander into the forest together.
We sip our warm, comforting bevs and it’s quiet, for a moment.
This is rest. This is balance. For a moment, at least.
And the wind blew cooly again.
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As September arrives and the leaves start to drop, we embrace a bit more organization in our lives to find a sense of equilibrium. It's normal to have unfinished tasks on your to-do list and maybe even a bottle of expired salad dressing in your fridge. No judgment here – everyone can relate. Remember to give yourself grace and remember there are always chances to pause and rest, even if just for a brief moment.
This month, our focus will be on mushrooms and trees, with an emphasis on apple and elder. We plan to visit the apple orchard, preserve apples by making applesauce, apple pie filling, and we’ll attempt apple butter for the first time. Additionally, we will prune our elderberry shrubs for cuttings and continue to craft and stock up on immune-boosting elderberry elixir for the winter. From mushrooms and trees, we understand that letting go and decomposing are vital for growth, highlighting the importance of transformation and decay in achieving balance.
Even when we resist, the wheel of life turns, highlighting specific focuses. This spoke symbolizes reciprocity, a harmonizing force urging us to introspect. If life moves in a spiral and the wheel rotates, it cyclically shifts back and forth, inward and outward. The warmer summer months spark enthusiasm for external activities, while winter encourages reflection and internal exploration. Spring and autumn present a juncture – a sense of looming unpredictability where finding balance is crucial. Even in moments of extreme exhaustion, allowing ourselves to rest is essential. By calming our minds, balance is restored, and equilibrium is found. Rest is key to equilibrium; it is the fruit of our efforts. If your summer was as eventful as mine, then we truly deserve this moment of respite.
As we start a new school year and embrace new seasons and opportunities, it's important to prioritize rest as a form of self-care and routine. Finding a balance between activity and rest is crucial. I encourage you to reflect on how nature demonstrates this balance through cycles that we can integrate into our lives. Each year, trees shed their leaves, birds migrate, and a sense of dormancy or vitality prevails as seasons change. Trust in these natural phases and the return of light – there is harmony in the seasonal shifts and the cycle of life. Embrace the wisdom that nature offers, and allow yourself the grace to move through your own cycles of rest and rejuvenation. Just as the earth knows when to be still and when to burst forth with life, so too can we learn to listen to our inner rhythms. Incorporate moments of quiet reflection, whether it's through meditation, a walk in the park, or simply sitting with a cup of tea.
Remember, rest is not a luxury but a necessity for a well-balanced life. By taking time to recharge, you’ll find that your energy for work, relationships, and personal passions is renewed. These restorative periods are the foundation upon which we build our strength and creativity.
So, as you navigate the new school year and the changing seasons, give yourself permission to pause and breathe. Trust in the process, and know that just as winter gives way to spring, your moments of stillness will lead to new growth and opportunities. Embrace the ebb and flow, and find peace in the natural harmony that surrounds us.
This month the autumnal equinox falls on September 22nd (in the northern hemisphere) and the full moon falls on September 18th. The full moon nearest to the equinox is known as the Harvest Moon because it illuminated the fields and allowed farmers to harvest late into the night. Before electricity and calendars, farmers depended on the moon for seasonal cues. The Harvest Moon's bright, persistent light was a beacon of productivity, guiding communities through the crucial period of gathering crops before the arrival of winter. This celestial event held significant cultural importance, often celebrated with festivals and gatherings where people would come together to share stories, songs, and a bountiful feast.
In various cultures around the world, the Harvest Moon symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of human life with the natural rhythms of the earth. It's a reminder of the cyclical nature of seasons and the enduring bond between humankind and the cosmos.
Today, while modern technology has lessened our dependence on the moon for agricultural practices, the Harvest Moon continues to captivate our imaginations. It serves as a beautiful reminder of our ancestors' ingenuity and their harmonious relationship with the natural world. Whether observed from a bustling city or a quiet countryside, the Harvest Moon invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the timeless dance between the earth and the heavens.As the Harvest Moon rises, casting its ethereal glow across the landscape, we are reminded of the delicate balance between effort and rest, labor and leisure. This celestial event, steeped in tradition and history, encourages us to honor the abundance in our lives and to express gratitude for the fruits of our labor.
Gathering with loved ones under the luminous night sky, we can share in the ancient rituals that connect us to our forebears. Whether through storytelling, music, or simply enjoying a meal together, these moments of connection ground us in the present while linking us to the past.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, let us take this time to reflect on our own cycles of productivity and rest. By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Embrace the changing seasons with an open heart, and remember that each phase of the cycle brings its own unique beauty and lessons.
May September, the Harvest Moon and the equinox inspire you to find balance, to appreciate the simple joys in life, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for all that you have. As you move through this month and beyond, carry with you the wisdom of the earth and the heavens, allowing it to guide you toward a harmonious and fulfilling life.