The Autumn Equinox

"In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November."

Rose G. Kingsley

Played hooky today.  My body was craving for some much-needed rest.  Besides, when I awoke this morning and heard the sound of the rain beating down on the AC, I pulled the covers up and went right back to sleep.  It's still like night out there, and it is coming up to 8 am.  They say later the rain is going to get much worse, a tremendous storm they say with high winds and drenching rains, perhaps even a tornado.  We've been getting them a lot lately here.  Changes are occurring.  Let's face it and be honest.  I heard the weather report last night and already had my mind made up.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the Autumn Equinox is almost upon us. After this past summer, I know most of us are eagerly awaiting it. Some call this day Mabon and consider it the second harvest celebration, and although most of us consider Labor Day to be the unofficial start of Autumn, it is the Autumn Equinox that truly marks the official beginning of Autumn. The days are growing noticeably shorter, and there is a crispness in the air and although the leaves have not begun to change, we know that will happen soon enough. The weather here in the city has been so wonderful that I haven't wanted to stay inside. There is nothing like the feeling of your hair blowing in the wind...and not caring how mussed up it gets. 

The Autumn Equinox has been revered and celebrated since ancient times as a time to share our abundance and showing gratitude for all the bountiful blessings that Mother Nature has given us. For our ancestors, this day of equal balance between light and dark was a powerful time. Most harvest crops were collected, and it was not only a day of thanksgiving, but also a reminder that it is time to prepare for the winter. 

It is a time of drawing inward and taking a moment to think about what the 'harvest' of our lives has been.  It is a time of balance, a day where light and dark stand equal as we prepare to begin the dark part of the year. It is also a time of the year when we begin working towards finding a balance in ourselves by making peace with the dark and considering it a part of the light, for without one, we could not have the other. We must use this time wisely as a time for meditation, contemplation, reflection and giving thanks for those things we so often take for granted. 

Be thankful! 

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who

are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown