When writing about autumn, one of the adjectives that gets
tossed around is “introspective”, as in ‘Autumn is an introspective time’. Hell, I’ve used it myself. It’s not that it isn’t true; it’s that I’ve
finally figured out the connection I have to winter. Introspection is the keyword.
Introspection – n.
The examination of one’s own thoughts, impressions, and feelings,
especially for long periods.
During the autumn and winter, we have months and months in
which to turn inward and examine our beliefs and feelings. Some people, however, spend most of their
time this way. That’s not necessarily a
bad thing. I don’t believe it makes that
person selfish or narcissistic or self-absorbed in any way; rather I find very
sensitive people tend more toward introspection because it’s just…easier
somehow. At least it is for me.
I’m also a very introverted person. I wasn’t always that way, but things happen
and personality traits can changed.
Nature vs. nurture. I’m shy. I communicate better through writing than
speaking, especially when it comes to dealing with deep feelings. Some things only come out through writing,
you know?
At work, in the classroom, I’m all open and energetic. I
sing, I dance, I perform. ( I rarely sing or dance, but has been known to
happen. ) Outside of the classroom, I am
quiet. I moved to the other side of
campus to be on my own, away from the other offices. There are three of us in that part of the
building, and we don’t bother each other.
It’s so nice.
Whoa. I’m going off
on a tangent. To sum up, I like autumn
because, well, I *am* autumn in a lot of
ways. I like being alone with my
thoughts. I like to take time to examine
what I’m feeling and how I perceive things.
I’m quiet and I like being alone sometimes.
Autumn is the perfect time for that. The weather often keeps us inside. Autumn is the time of death so that rebirth
may occur. It’s a spooky time of year
for some. We’re reminded of our own
mortality. The shorter days give us more
time to think about death… Maybe that’s just me. Maybe it’s because of the SAD and clinical
depression. Who knows. I’m interested in
hearing your thoughts on autumn and why you like it/identify with it.
2 comments:
What a great post. I totally identify :) Is your birthday in the autumn? Or are you another Earth sign? I'm a Virgo with a Virgo rising.... doesn't get much more autumny earth sign than that.
Rudolph Steiner talks of the Earth as having a breath cycle, like any other living being. In the summer the Earth's breath is fully exhaled, extended outside the rocky shell of her body and touching the cosmos. It is a time of expanded movement, action-dreaming and play. At midwinter the earth's breath is fully inhaled, contained deep within the physical earth. We feel compelled to sleep-dream, stay inside and close to loved ones, to be sleepy or hibernate, forge the insights gained from the summer into diamonds of wisdom. The autumn in the inbreath time, a time when we are bringing the cosmic back to the physical. It is a time to bring it home, feel the constriction, institute a bed time routine :) It makes me feel comforted and loved to have that constraining energy. I breathe a sigh of relief in early September every year :)
If you check out my posts labeled "autumn" you'll see about three years worth of my musings on Autumn :)
http://www.thewheelandthedisk.blogspot.com/search/label/autumn
Thanks for the thought provoking post!
You, my sweet, and I are much alike, methinks... ^-^ In good ways. =D
Those are all the reasons I love Autumn and Winter as well. I'm not exactly shy, but I don't like most people very well. I dislike being in large groups, and frequently would rather be alone, or with Britt or a few friends (occasionally).
I'm very introspective as well... I am always searching for self-knowledge, and I'll always have more to learn.
I can very easily see myself as that crazy old woman who lives in a cabin in the mountains with just her cats, chickens and some goats or sheep or something... you know, the Wild Woman, Wise Woman, village Witch on the outskirts of civilization. ^-^
Anywho... So that's why I love Autumn too. ^-^
As well as introspection, I also find I feel more 'awake' in the Fall. Summer almost seems to haze my brain over... leaving me feeling sleepy and sluggish. Autumn, with her crisp air & chilly breezes, wakes me up a bit. I feel like crafting and cooking and writing and dancing again.
Alrighty... now that I've talked your ears off, I'm off to do more cleaning. ^-^
Hope you're doing well, and I'll come poke you soon. ^-^
XOXO
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