Autumnal equinox

This week saw the marking of the autumnal equinox, the point in the turning of the year when the days are as long as the nights. I have been watching the approach of this with heightened interest this year because, like many of us, my time in the natural world tends to be at the beginning or the end of the day. In the winter, the short days give me time with the morning stars and in the summer, the longer evenings allow me to savor the sunsets that otherwise occur during working hours.

The turnings of the seasons are more subtle here in California, so I find it more important to be intentional about noticing. Though we are now on the slide towards more darkness than light, I want to savor the gifts of both which we can in this relatively balanced time. Morning skies and sunrises have been quite spectacular this week, with the delight of early rain leaving us more clouds for color and shape. And the evenings still offer times to view the last glimpses of the day and to take a moment to be grateful for the passing gifts of each.

As I was swimming early one of these moments, a V of geese passed overhead, honking their encouragements to one another as they do. This is another gift of the season as are late tomatoes and squashes in the farmers markets and the nippier quality of the fall morning air. While heat will be returning in the next few days, the lower temperatures at night are a particular blessing.

The human world of activity and drama is important—and the rhythms of the natural world are grounding and essential as well. How will you welcome this new season?