As I chastise myself over all the shoulds and musts, autumn keeps whispering: “Remove the pressure.”
It is my favourite season, this gentle turning of the year. Trees are shedding their leaves, mornings are slower and the air carries that familiar crispness that invites me outdoors. Watching nature’s unrestrained transformations brings a sense of freedom.
Some mornings I nestle in bed a little longer, reading poetry before the day begins. Other evenings, I take long walks around the neighbourhood to soak in the poetry of changing colours, the rustle of leaves and the quiet presence of squirrels and mallards; each compete for my gaze without pressing me to make it a task of productivity.
Still, autumn remains a season full of activity. The literary and cultural calendar fills with events, invitations and opportunities to connect. This year, there is the added joy of bringing my novel into these spaces, meeting readers and watching something I have nurtured find its way into the world.
It is a harvest of sorts, and one I welcome with a grateful heart.
But even good things can become heavy when accompanied by the insistence that we must do more, be everywhere, and make the most of every opportunity.
Perhaps this is what autumn keeps teaching me: to distinguish between the fullness of living and the pressure to fill every available space. To accept one invitation without feeling compelled to accept every invitation. To savour the fruits of my labour without turning every moment into another task.
Trees do not rush their transformation. They naturally align themselves with the season.
So, here’s to making room for both gatherings and solitude, work and wandering, harvest and rest. And may your days unfold with a serene focus that enchants your senses, reminding you that poetry is everywhere!
note. If this is the first time you’re hearing about my novel, check out the story behind it on Vimeo.
What a beautiful post dear Khaya. Poetry! I respect this slowness. I am all about it.
And, “walks around the neighbourhood to soak in the poetry of changing colours,”— oh yes. More of this please. I love it. All the best to you and to me too. Let me know how I can help. Here on WordPress as I’m no longer active on any of the crazy social media platforms. I’ll do what I can. Hugs.
Happy Autumn, Selma! Thanks so much for reading, your lovely comment and offering a hand; much appreciated. I’ll sure take you up on your offer.
On your point about being more present in the blog space, I echo the sentiment. Every time I feel like giving up on the blog, I remind myself why I began it in the first place: to be in conversation with like-minded people. As we know, social media isn’t exactly a place for meaningful conversations. So, here’s to slowness and enjoying the season! <3