Hello Friends of Flying Needle!
Happy White Dew!
- third autumnal solar node -
Dawn comes later, dusk comes earlier. Twilight sunlight has begun its shift towards the tawny and metallic. Here in the North Carolina Piedmont, mornings have been considerably cooler as we move towards the third autumnal solar node - White Dew.
While summery lantana still abounds and cicadas continue singing, we see our early autumn comapnions - black eyed Susan, blanket flower, boneset, milkweed, and passion flower blooming. Ragweed and grass pollen abound. School is back in session. This transforms Chapel Hill from being a quiet town to one thronged with college and graduate students. It's our most robust semi-annual migratory pattern.
As the days continue to shorten and we receive the gift of cooler mornings, Yin's presence continues to increase and accrete. While there is never a bad time for contemplation, Autumn invites us into slowing down and finding space-time to gently observe in ways that Summer's vibrance may not.
Are you feeling, and accepting this invitation?
If so, how are you meeting it?
For myself, I am rising earlier to give myself more time to sit, breathe, and practice dao yin (qi and lymph regulating self-massage) before the day is underway. I am also reinvigorating my standing meditation practice which I played quite loose with over the Summer.
Autumn is a wonderful time to take stock, and reconnect with old contemplative friends and companions. I am grateful for the reminder to turn inwards, especially during these challenging times.
I turn 53 today (September 5th). On the one hand, that seems like not a small number of years. On the other, and I have heard from friends who are considerably older that this feeling continues for many of us, I am perpetually surprised by feeling like I am a child playing at being a grown-up. It is baffling that I have lived for more than 5 decades, have a 15 year old kiddo, and a medical practice. All that sounds quite adult.
And yet . . .
The opportunity to sojourn on this beautiful living world is truly wondrous, and wondrously strange.
I am grateful for the abundance of my life during these challenging times – great friends, wonderful teachers, and nourishing practices.
I am grateful to have meaningful work that allows me to be of service to folks who need support. And, I am grateful for this space to share these thoughts with all of you today.
May your Autumn days be filled with beauty, mystery, and friendship!
May you and your kin feel both rooted and free!
May we walk in gratitude with our Ancestors!
May all being and becoming receive nourishment!
Gratitude to all
Ancestors for another
Lap around the sun!
It is my sincere hope that you have found something of use in these words.
If you know folks who you feel would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it their way! Thank you!
Wishing you and all your relations wellbeing and good medicine!
With gratitude,
Taran
