It is an interesting mix of Fall and Winter here. The leaves are in full Fall mode, changing colors and drifting down to earth. Driving through neighborhoods, the lemon yellows and plum reds seem as common as Fall in Boston Common. It is very unusual to see this much color. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and Chinese pistaches are signaling the weather like never before. At the same time, snow clouds are cruising above the trees on their way north and east.
In Chinese medicine this time of year is Metal energy, a time of clearing out anything that no longer serves us. This can be material things or less tangible things like emotions. Watching leaves drifting peacefully off their branches is a visual lesson from nature in learning to let go.
It is a busy time of year but I savor the quiet mornings to look out at the frost-covered roofs and steam rising from the pool. In these still moments I see only that which is right in front of me. I am free from things I don’t need.