It is funny how the seasons change and seemingly most people go unaware other than implementing new attire or donning new décor throughout their home. The seasons change has always affected me on a subtle but powerful level. I did not realize to what extent until I was much older but now, looking back, what a wake-up call. My personal experience seems to be most powerful between summer and fall and winter and spring. At these times I feel a very gentle nudge and a slight difference in my awareness. Somehow things seems new again or maybe not new but different, even the same mundane tasks and surrounding. My coffee tastes a wee bit better or the wind blowing smells just a tiny bit sweeter. Now I realize that I have created the most profound changes in my personal life during these times; harnessing that power of change and energy to manifest what I needed to do to make my life better. The times I failed to bridle and direct that force were the times whatever negative aspect was brewing in my life became out of control and seemingly ran amuck. Not a good thing. Not a good thing at all. So as Fall approaches try to reflect and see if you feel any different, do you notice anything "new" feeling or slightly "off center" - if so maybe you can grab a hold of that and push it in this direction and that and see what works for you.

If you can grasp the subtlety of the feeling then you can sometimes carry forward for many months. I have done this only a couple of times in the last three years but I am getting more prolific at how to use and master it. It is much like the feeling of "presence" and the Buddhist concept of maintaining focus in "this present moment". For whatever reasons the changing of the seasons force me into that present state and compel me to recognize it. If you can maintain the state for even small amounts of time throughout the day DRASTIC things will occur in your life. You will become much calmer, you stress level with decline continuously and you will feel renewed energy to tackle anything that comes your way. This tiny shift is awareness automatically allows you mind to take a step back when confronted with any issue and say "Hmmm....let's do this one chunk at a time, no reason to panic." The same is true for your relationships, stay present just a few minutes throughout the day and see how your relationships with people change. They do no change because you want them to change - they change because you have changed and they involuntarily will try to mirror your actions, it is just human nature.

So the next time the seasons approach that inbetween time or threshold, take a moment to experience what is happening, not only to the world outside but the world inside. I am quite sure if you just take a moment you will be pleasantly surprised.