September, The Art Of Letting Go

By Leslie Watkins

Autumn is the time of year when nature begins to let go of the surplus accumulations of summer. Leaves wither and drop, ripe seeds are released and swollen fruit falls. The life energy of plants begins to retract with shorter days and less moisture. Plants and animals turn to conserving their resources in preparation for lean times ahead. So do humans.

Poppy pod, illustration © Leslie Watkins 2017

The metaphor of fall in the human lifespan is similar. Given an average lifespan of eighty some odd years, the equivalent of autumn would be somewhere between 40 and 60, with many die-hards going on to 70 before acquiescing. A lessening of career and family obligations, the simplification of one’s life, and generally slowing down can help clarify the things that are most important to us. How do we leave behind a legacy, how are we to be remembered well, how can we share our experience and skills with others? What of our lives is of truest value? These are questions worthy of deep thought.

We spend a lifetime accumulating stuff. Things we are attached to and will leave behind for others… but what if they don’t want them? Many people find that their children prefer a simpler, less materialistic life with smaller homes and fewer possessions. It takes a lot of time and effort to get, protect and care for excess possessions. You may not want to saddle your family with that burden. Freedom comes with having less, not more.

There are plenty of de-cluttering gurus offering advice on how to help us let go of our overabundance. Asking yourself if an object “sparks joy”, whether you really need it or just want it, does it serve you well and does it enhance the life you desire to live are all good questions. Giving things away, donating and discarding them may help to expand our time and space. The great minimalist Mahatma Gandhi said “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

This time of year we can take inspiration from nature by observing the fruits of bountiful plants all around as they drop their seeds where they will. September is a great time to collect those seeds. Allow seeds to dry and store in jars in cool dark places. Scatter them in spring were you can enjoy seeing them grow next year.

September Seed Collection Checklist

• Cleome
• Columbine
• Cosmo
• Hollyhock
• Marigold
• Milkweed
• Nasturtium
• Poppy
• Sunflower
• Zinnia