Like a tree in autumn.

Autumn signaled its return earlier this week while I was out walking. As I passed by a large tree, it stopped me in my tracks. It was as if someone splattered a yellow paintbrush on an otherwise bright green canvas. The tree stood so tall, peaceful, and regal. It seemed so unshaken by its impending loss of leaves and the colder season to come.

It made me wonder - what would it be like to be a tree in autumn?

Would I feel confused when my colors start to change, because it seems I’m losing a part of me? 
Would I still want to hold on tightly, or would I accept that change is needed?
Would I let go, because I know what is meant to be, will be?
Would I stand tall, even when it seems I am falling apart?
Would it hurt when the last leaf fell, because I know it means goodbye?
Would I accept the cold season to come, because I know what’s is on the other side?
Would I still hold love in every bud of my branches, when I think of the time we shared?
Would I be forever grateful for the season, even if it seemed too short?
Would I trust in the bigger picture, and know that everything is happening as it should?

Maybe, if I was like a tree in autumn, I would trust that change is part of what it means to be alive and to grow. That each ending is by design, to give way to some new beginning.

“Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together, and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy. When there’s a big disappointment, we don’t know if that’s the end of the story. It may be just the beginning of a great adventure.” - Pema Chodron

Let the tree in this autumn be your reminder. The end of something doesn’t make it any less beautiful. To let go, is to love. To let go, is to find peace. You are right where you should be. Stand tall and rooted in yourself as you honor what once was, be with all that is now, and trust in the mystery of what’s yet to come.