Now, when the leaves of
deciduous trees are great splashes of color against faded blue, when the air at
noon is still mild and hazy, when a few small birds still search the roadsides
for seeds and great swirls of starlings paint designs in the evening sky, now
is the moment to relax into the quiet,
If I had to choose just one
thing to believe in, it would be change. No matter how slowly it comes, change
is the one constant. I see it most clearly at this time of year when the leaves
turn from working green to carnival colors before falling to sleep at a tree’s
feet. There is mimicry in our human doings – those of us who watch nature match
our feelings accordingly, slowing our activities and our thoughts so that we
can get a good look at ourselves, at our bare bones of belief. Our own horizons
widen.
Mostly we are human doings,
not human beings. Frenetic activity suggests a purpose. The seasonal change
from summer to fall puts us on notice that there is worth in slowing down,
taking stock, using rest as a repair shop. We are reminded that we are
individuals in a group, that we have our own shape and a singular reason for
our existence.
9 comments:
i agree with your thoughts on us being humans doing....we forget to be..and change surprises us even though all of nature tells its story...have a lovely autumn L
Definitely we are human doings. Sometimes we move fast and don't take time to notice things. Perfect time of year to do that. :)
Beautiful, Pauline. So much in nature points us to reflect on our own comings and goings.. and restful period.
This is a beautiful piece, Pauline. Change is often a difficult thing to face, but the natural world reminds one that the universe is a dynamic place. Change is constant.
Beautifully said. Change can be scary, but also the most liberating and amazing thing you can do sometimes. Fall is a great time to see how change gives way to new life a few months from now. Thank you for your words!
Catchy phrase...human doings and not human beings. Yes change is endless and tiring at times.
What a welcome reminder, Pauline.
We are more, and other, than the sum of our actions. Winter is not my favorite season, but I guess its lesson to us is just that --- Imitate Me, Be, Not Do ---
A lesson I might do well to take to heart.
Brian - autumn is blowing away on fierce winds but now we can see the bones of trees and earth - there isn't a season here in New England that I don't like.
Mary, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Slowing down can be a good thing ;)
Hilary - that's how I feel, too - we reflect nature so often.
Kerry - as long as I can remain in tune with the dynamics, I'm good. It's when I resist change that I suffer.
RTW - thanks for reading and commenting. You're right - if we're open to it, change can be an amazing thing.
Tabor - it didn't originate with me but I like the meaning. I try to be both.
J - I try to take my cues from nature...
Brian - autumn is blowing away on fierce winds but now we can see the bones of trees and earth - there isn't a season here in New England that I don't like.
Mary, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Slowing down can be a good thing ;)
Hilary - that's how I feel, too - we reflect nature so often.
Kerry - as long as I can remain in tune with the dynamics, I'm good. It's when I resist change that I suffer.
RTW - thanks for reading and commenting. You're right - if we're open to it, change can be an amazing thing.
Tabor - it didn't originate with me but I like the meaning. I try to be both.
J - I try to take my cues from nature...
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