Surrounded By The Harvest

Surrounded by the Harvest



In between choosing the words to weave this article together I glance up and look out my sunroom window. There I spy three goldfinches extracting seeds from the sunflowers and a hummingbird and swallowtail butterfly drinking nectar from the scotch thistle blossoms.

As I merge with the energies of this season I feel its fruitfulness and its growing peace. The bursting new energies of spring have passed. The frenetic and powerfully creative energies that the heat of summer brings on are waning and a calmness is growing. It is a sensation much like the feeling of satisfaction that I experience when I have finished a challenging project. From the perceived deadness of winter the creative forces of nature have once again seemingly burst forth from nothing to supply us with a bounty of provisions that feed our bodies, minds and spirits.

I have experienced good healing by continuing to develop my acceptance of and gratitude for all that is, and this time of year it is quite easy to deepen and strengthen my attitude of gratitude. Convincing my ego that everything is perfect as it is, is so much easier when my garden is teeming with life and food yet to be consumed. Tomatoes are expanding and blushing. Butternut and acorn squash patiently wait for the cool air to harden their skins. Beets continue to offer their roots and leaves for rich coloured nourishment. A few berries remain among the remnants of pea vines, which provided a sweet crop in early summer. The leeks offer their rich green straight stems to contrast the chaos of the swirling vines, stems, and leaves that are all amass in the late summer garden. And all of the efforts to organize, prepare the soil, plant, water and weed the garden have paid off.

The creatures that visit our yard and garden provide me with visual entertainment and soundscapes. Knowing that they feel safe to spend time in our midst provides me with pleasure. My spirit is buoyed by this and my mind is treated to the study of their ways when I am able to observe them up close for more than a fleeting moment.

I know that everyone does not take the opportunity to enjoy this season in this way. Many are hurriedly gathering back to school supplies, organizing new schedules and even beginning to fret about the upcoming over-merchandised Christmas season. This time of year I really do feel blessed that I have sought out wise teachers and Elders to show me ways toward harmonious and sane living. I am grateful that I am able to slow down and ground myself in the moment I am in to connect with the bounty around me. Life is good.