Nadine Mustafa As Samuel Butler once said, “Autumn is a mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” It’s true, all great things must come to an end. Poets and writers have used much of the seasons of mother nature as metaphors for our life cycle. Soon enough, the emerald leaves will turn into a crimson-fiery shade of orange, and eventually hazel brown, as they drop gracefully. It is no secret that the picturesque mood of Autumn can be very calming to one’s mind and soul, but the notion of fall also has a profound symbolic meaning that we normally don’t think about. Here are seven meaningful, symbolic characteristics of fall that mimic our day-to-day lives.
Change – Adapting to the New
Fall is the season of mixed feelings. The season is colored, with the slight melancholy of bidding farewell to summer. Yet, it is full of happiness for the harvest and the calm before the approach of winter. Fall represents the epitome of transformation, be it our minds, bodies or the conditions around us. In constant progress and evolution as Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher thought, “the only constant is change.” A reminder to always embrace the present while appreciating the past.
Mystery – What the Future Beholds
You never know what tomorrow may have in store for you, so you might as well enjoy life as it is and seize your moment as you live each day at a time. The colors of the leaves are changing, and fall weather is getting thinner, chiller and crispier, giving you this awesome sense of ambiguity. There is beauty in having a little mystery in life, so start making peace with the unknown rather than anticipating what’s next. Only then can we live life to the fullest.
Maintenance – The Continuation of Life
Fall embodies the ongoing perpetuation of life with all its aspects. It is the season of work, progression and productivity, where animals get to collect food for winter’s long sleep, and nature is renewing its scenery. People are collecting what they planted and celebrating the harvest. Our homes are filled with warmth, candle scents and hot stews while people retreat indoors in an attempt to re-connect and unite as families once more. It is the season to work on yourself, your family connections and your surroundings.
Safety – Sense of Security
Something odd we’ve noticed is that as we transition from summer to fall, our sense of security increases. We start to layer clothes and put on heavier fabrics to protect our bodies. We naturally start practicing healthier lifestyles and adapting good habits to preserve our health and enhance our immune system against the cold. This is the season to focus more on your body and health as well as your loved ones.
Comfort – Time to Relax
With the extravagant, energetic habits of summer coming to an end, now comes a time of serenity and warmth. Along the same lines of security, fall is often being portrayed to bring an ultimate sense of comfort. This is when we mostly pursue a sense of belonging to home as the weather starts getting frigid. It is the perfect time of year to sit back, chill and reflect on all the thoughts going on in your inner world.
Balance – Keeping Your Flow Steady
Everyone knows summer has longer days than winter but what you might not know is that fall restores the balance between daytime and nighttime. Right around this time of year, you live half of your day in harmony with the night, which reflects the sense of renewal and symmetry between you and the world. Try to take things slow and maintain a healthy balanced rhythm in the pace of your life.
Moving on – Letting Things Go
Autumn brings another kind of beauty to the rest of the world. As branches loosen their hold on the leaves they’ve been carrying, it provides a delightful reflection on the concept of letting go of anything in the past and pursuing new habits. This restart button is anything but gloomy, and it is essential in preparing your heart for all the cheer of the coming season. So, take no thought for the morrow and seize your present of this time to relax, reflect and refresh.
