Note: Weekend essay by guest contributer, friend and artist, Maria Doglio

The
Autumn Muse
is beginning to dance among the vineyards where I live, dabbling her colors on
the first turning of the leaves to yellows, gold and reds.  Soon there will be a riot of color throughout
Alexander Valley and beyond.  Winds blow in coolness; skies are crystal
blue and clear or with billowing clouds skirting the hills.  The days may linger in warmth, but we awake
to a morning chilliness that reminds us the season is changing. 

Devas come out to play after the harvest while under a
clear and starry night lit by a full moon, a little sprite peeks out at the
world behind.

After
the play, the Autumn Muse, in her wisdom and serenity, invites us to rest and
nurture ourselves.  As nature turns the
season, she beckons us to follow, go inward, reflect on our own personal path
and plant the seeds of our future.

Finding time for nurturing ourselves in our
24/7 society can be difficult. 
Reconnecting with nature reminds us to slow down and find balance.  Earth is in constant motion and we move
forward with her in oneness. Let us find time to nurture and care for ourselves
and listen to the call to open our hearts to change with each season so that we
may blossom in the spring.  

 As
we do so, we maintain our serenity within ourselves, and more easily find peace,
love and oneness with all of life.  In
turn, while caring for others, we become a catalyst for transformation as our
light is reflected back into the world.