Let the cooling temperatures serve as a reminder that energy of the fall season invites us to shift accordingly.  The two resources below offer a perspective that inform and remind us of the natural gifts of this season and are one of the many gems originally published in Meridians.

	excerpt from Meridians (Autumn, 2002)

In the depths of grief, life renewed

by Margaret Beatty

In the Fall phase of the creative cycle, nature supports us in letting go and grieving our loss, while taking in life's beauty and inspiration. 

"Tis holy to love what death can touch." — author unknown

There is a Buddhist story of a mother whose child died. The mother, overcome with grief, carried the dead body of her child to the Buddha. "Bring my child back to life!" she pleaded. The Buddha looked at her gently. "Bring me a mustard seed from a family that has not experienced loss," he said, "and I will bring your child back to life."  ... Download the complete article.

Margaret Beatty practices acupuncture and Chinese herbs in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, and can be reached at 202-423-4969.

Suggestions for living well and fully in the Fall

by Barbara Tansill Catlin

The energy of Fall supports us in letting go, in allowing life to be exactly as it is, in giving acknowledgment and respect. Here are ways to make the most of your autumn season:

1. Assess personal values.
   What do I value? Am I living in accordance with these values? If not, what needs to go? What needs to come in?
   • Let go of detrimental relationships.
   • Loosen your grip on ideas and habits that no longer serve.
   • Recycle or throw away things that are no longer useful.
2. Acknowledge those who are important.
   Who is precious to me? Have I let them know?
   • Send a letter of gratitude or flowers of celebration to those who have helped you, those who inspire you, those you love.
   • Is there anyone I have left out of my daily life because of anger or fear?
   • If forgiveness is necessary, is it time to ask for it? Time to extend it?
   • Am I able to make the phone call, write the letter, show up for a visit? If not, what else might be done to clear the way for healing?
3. Notice the daily rhythm of your life from sun-up to sundown.
   Do I feel ease as I move through the tasks of my day? Do I feel hurried and overwhelmed? Does the rhythm of my day promote order and peace?
   • Create a structure/schedule that serves your natural rhythm. Notice how you feel differently at the beginning and end of each day.
4. Accept life just as it is.
   Do I resist part of my life? What parts? What person, place, thing, or idea needs to be incorporated? Transformed? Let go?
   • Resolve to either make the change or let it go.

Barbara Tansill Catlin practices acupuncture in Columbia, MD. Learn more about her  work at www.biggerconversations.org including "Conscious Living & Conscious Dying", an event for both professionals and the general public on October 8, 2011.