Photo of the week: Goldenrod. In some settings, goldenrod has been used to symbolize new beginnings. This is interesting because it blooms at the end of summer. Sometimes we say that in autumn “everything is dying.” But this isn’t true. It is a season when nature moves inside. The plants are going through a natural and necessary change. Much like humans, plants cannot produce constantly. Some animals hibernate or become less active. Autumn can seem like a cozy time, a time of moving inward, toward introspection. It is a new beginning in that way. It is a new shift.

During this season, some find the change of light, the change in nature, brings about a depression. This is a time for gentleness with the self. Take time to slow down and have conscious breathing breaks. During those breathing breaks, think–or even say out loud–kind and comforting statements to yourself.

In the upper right corner of this photo, there is a bright red color. This is a rose that I did not expect to see when I took this photo. Roses often symbolize love. In this time of new introspection, may we find a bright spot of self-love.

What is autumn for you? What memories do you have? How do you use this season?