We’ve had some lovely fall days recently. Not our usually spectacular Indian Summer that we usually have, but lovely none the less. My favorite part of fall is the changing of the colors of the trees. Certainly, I’m sad to see the annual flowers fade and turn brown and I’ll miss the deep green foliage of summer. Yet, those golds, reds, and yellows of fall really touch my heart. There is a vibrancy about them. A brilliance that invigorates the soul.

Those colors speak of change and release. They speak of the courage of being seen and allowing life to flow onward.

It feels as if hanging on is in my nature. Seeing the trees change and let go reminds me to do the same. Letting go of what no longer serves doesn’t have to look like miserable sacrifice. Letting go has the right to be brilliant and stunning!

It’s so lovely to see different trees releasing their leaves in different colors. Seeing a tree blazing with red leaves next to a brilliant yellow tree next to a tree with both green and orange leaves just takes the breath away.

We all don’t have to release or let go in the same way. Some trees drop their leaves quickly while others are the last to remain clothed in fall fashion. This reminds us that there is no wrong way to release and heal. (Releasing is healing on lots of levels!)

What are you ready to release? What no longer serves you? A perspective of mistrust? A condition of frustration? A cloak of shame? A basket of judgment? A crate of duty and obligation that no longer serves?

How might you release that? Prayer and fasting? Dancing and celebration? Journaling and meditation? Deep breaths and a new affirmation? Turning around and clapping your hands 3 times?

Whatever method you choose to use, your intent fuels the fire. Will it be a blazing bonfire or a quiet candle? The choice is yours because the journey is yours. You get to do it your way. Or not at all! Perhaps you require more time with this attitude/situation/experience for now. Just realize that this, too, is your choice.

I’m choosing to let go of some old fears. They have kept me safe for a long time, but my soul no longer needs fear in order to be safe. I have a measure of wisdom and I have wonderful friends who help me see the truth of who I am. I can gratefully release fear for the safety it granted me. It may slip back here and there. That’s okay. I can release

it every time it shows up. I’m just not granting it full time residence in my heart any more.

Just as the trees loose their leaves and then go dormant for the winter, we, too may require a time of turning in to get stronger, so that, when the sun shines brightly in the springtime, we can emerge stronger than before. It’s good to remember that winter doesn’t last forever and our time of turning inward has an expiration date. Maybe an hour or two; or a day or two; or a month or two. Know that the time of emerging can be blocked by another level of fear or mistrust. Keep checking in to make sure the restoration path is clear. This turning inward is opposed to shutting down. We are maintaining our awakened awareness in a quiet moment or two while healing happens.

Release in brilliance. Restore in trust.

Emerge in Power. Walk in Love.

Serve in Gratitude