Seasonal Affective is in Order
And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep, and autumn was awakened – Raquel Franco
The joy of fall. The sadness of summer ending. Eager to wear jeans and turtlenecks, wistful that tans are fading. Cooler evenings that facilitate better sleep, reluctant to trade the flip-flops in for Ugg’s in the morning.
September is a paradox, as are the months that follow leading into winter as the source of dread and gleeful anticipation of change. How ever you perceive it, fall is about transition and reevaluation. Holidays that mark the new year, the start of school, chilly weather and less daylight are a predictable shift, and we can enjoy different activities and routines. For those that seek out the endless summer and find a warmer destination for half of the year, change is still inevitable. Staying put and embracing the events of colder seasons means embracing the flipside of summer; ski season, wood burning stoves, heartier meals and perhaps more travel.
Chatter lately on the East End has been centered around how quickly August has descended upon us, that summer feels instantly “over”, and the ocean has not even warmed up enough yet. Intellectually, we go through this each year, and we know what to expect every September. Psychologically we fear change and mourn the loss of sunshine, warm air and the lightness that summer months bring. We associate summer with a ‘break’ in routine, more fun and shelving some responsibilities that we manage all year long. Falling leaves and wilting flowers signals decay and endings, and subconsciously we may brace ourselves for the challenges of winter. We must remind ourselves that winter is as fleeting as summer, and following winter is the best time of the year, spring renewal. Taking the time to assess our goals and reflect on a spectacular summer is part of the process, while participating in the practices specific to autumn and winter, knowing those too, will pass.
The feeling of dread is real, and we can continue to play outside, plan journeys to take during the colder months, and focus on things eclipsed by the flurry of summer commitments. While summer feels like the reward for powering through the other seasons, appreciating the full year and all the experiences it brings may be the best reward of all.
