A Lesson from Nature

The dogs and I have just come back from our daily walk down to Lake Washington. Although it was a very summer-like afternoon, fall is officially here and I noticed that some of the trees were beginning to show their fall colors, and others were already beginning to lose their leaves.

I always feel a little sad when I see the first leaves of autumn fall, because I love summer and hate to see it end. But watching the leaves drop to the ground reminds me just how important the process of letting go is for renewal and rejuvenation.

Trees let go of their leaves so that they can make room for new leaves in the spring. The fallen leaves provide nourishment for the grasses and plants in the surrounding ground. If the trees refused to let go of their leaves, this cycle of life would be broken. The trees would become overloaded and would slowly die, as the space on its branches for new life would disappear.

There is a lesson in this cycle of nature for each of us. What do we need to let go of in our life in order to allow new growth to take place? The answer to that question may be found in several different areas of our lives. First, we can look at the material things we no longer need. We can clean out our closets and take the clothes and other items we no longer use to places like the Goodwill or Salvation Army so that they can passed on to people who truly need them.

Secondly, we can take a look at the activities we are involved in - boards, committees, sports teams, etc. Which of these no longer interests us? If we are just taking up space, it is time to leave and open up an opportunity for someone who has the passion, energy, and commitment to really contribute to the activity.

And thirdly, we need to look at the beliefs and memories we are holding on to that are holding us back in our lives. It is easy to become laden down with outdated thoughts and beliefs; but if we allow that to happen, we will end up just like the tree who won’t give up its leaves. We will become overburdened and lifeless, because will be no space for new growth.

Nature uses the seasons of fall and winter to let go of the old and unnecessary, and to rest and get ready for the budding of new life which comes with each spring. It is a cycle that works well. Maybe it would benefit us to follow nature’s example, and make sure that we, too, use this time as a period of reflection, release and renewal.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. - Elizabeth Lawrence