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Alternative Names for the New Moon in September |
Colonial American:
Harvest Moon
Chinese:
Chrysanthemum Moon
Cherokee: Nut Moon
Choctaw: Mulberry Moon
Dakota Sioux: Moon When The Calves Grow Hair
Celtic: Singing Moon
English Medieval: Barley Moon
Neo Pagan: Harvest Moon
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| Dear Michael, |  In some cultures, September marks the month of the "Harvest Moon," which brings to mind a time of transition: vegetables move from the crops to our tables, the long warm days gradually shorten and cool, and the seasons progress from summer to fall. In the northeastern United States, soon the crisp air will drift through the brilliant hues of the changing foliage. In no time at all, leaves will cover the ground and the tree limbs from which they spawned will turn gray and bare, their leafless branches reaching out into the sky. Fall is the time when the playful exuberance of summer yields and our thoughts begin to move inward as we take stock of what we harvested.
In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is associated with the lung element, and specifically is a time for release. Just as the trees let go of their spent leaves, so must we.
But this is getting ahead of ourselves, as eager as we might be for the cool refreshing air, autumn has not yet arrived! To make the most of this last full moon of the summer this is actually the right time to pause and take the opportunity to reflect upon the season that is coming to a close, before leaping ahead. Much the way we gather baskets of vegetables from the ripened late summer gardens, we can gather our thoughts of the past months. What lessons have we learned? What experiences did we have and what memories remain? As we give thanks for the bounty of harvest, we can also feel gratitude for the lessons of summer.
What is in your basket?
Michael
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Consider This...Skillful Reflection |  Too often we are so focused on the task at hand, moving so fast that we lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us. It is particularly easy to slip into this habit as during this seasonal transition; while the pace of life generally slows during the long summer days, it often starts to pick up again now. We may suddenly find ourselves very busy, caught up in worrying about what we have to do next and pouring over our schedules for the coming weeks. If you are balanced and relaxed then you can take a moment to absorb the wonder. The future evolves as you evolve. Finding new things every moment brings you closer to the flow. Be of the mindset that something special could happen at any moment. Be prepared. Reflecting skillfully is about staying present and living now. Treasure is found in the day-to-day act of living in love with life. Just as nature is overflowing with curves, corners, knots, and unexpected changes in direction, so our lives are, and should be, filled with unpredictable twists and turns. While you may find yourself briefly on the straight and narrow path there is sure to be a sudden curve up ahead. Like a treasure trail, this path will lead to unexpected destinations and surprise you. You may be faced with difficult questions such as "Who am I, what my purpose is and what is of value to me?" Some of these questions may be answered after a long period of effort. Others you may discover through everyday experiences. I would advise you to enjoy and learn from the adventure of finding treasure. Part of the journey's beauty is the unexpected. The curving path is often the most interesting one. Resist becoming attached to what "needs" to happen and remain pliant, which is truly the definition of strength, as you continue on your respective journey. Please share your thoughts...
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Advice from the Skillful Doctor | Question: I love the summer but hate the winter, so with the first sign of autumn, I begin anticipating the cold weather ahead. As a result, I can't enjoy the season. How can I learn to be more accepting and positive about the seasons I don't like?
Answer: Nature's cycles have to do with how the earth-and its  inhabitants-renews itself. Sometimes this renewal process is gradual and gentle. Sometimes it is violent and destructive. Nevertheless, these cycles are endless sources of wonder, healing, and inspiration.
Local parks, nature trails and your own backyard are treasure troves of undiscovered beauty. In fact, the greatest place of tranquility might be found right outside your bedroom window in the form of a beautiful sunrise, rustling leaves, a duck floating on a pond, a sparrow building her nest, or a dew drop falling off a leaf.
Could you find fulfillment and joy by simply marveling at the cycles of plants and animals in response to seasonal and climatic changes to their environment? My children and I used to spend countless hours sitting beside a small pond on our property mesmerized by the iridescent quality of dragonfly wings. Witnessing first hand natural events such as bird migration, plant budding, flowering or fruiting, insect activities, and the stages of birth and death can help us reestablish our interconnection and interdependence with the natural world.
Every three months or so, it can be helpful to review the importance of each season as it comes to a close. In so doing, we may appreciate more fully the value of each season as it passes, as well as prepare ourselves for the transition to the next. By appreciating this value, we can enjoy the time more.
Share your reflections on the changing seasons or submit your own question here.
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Announcements | The next three episodes of The Skillful Living Room Radio Show will be available here the day after they air. You can, of course, listen live, by tuning into the "listen live" link at Business Talk Radio. The show airs every Saturday at 12 Noon EST.
- On September 4th, Cathleen O'Conner and Robin Queen joined us for a Labor Day weekend show. Apropos to the holiday, we discussed the importance of finding meaningful and fulfilling work by utilizing our creative strengths.You may listen to that show at this link.
- On September 11th, Dr. Robert DeMaria will visit The Skillful Living Room to talk about healing without the use of drugs. Dr. DeMaria, who is also been critical in the evaluation and support for 9/11 survivors, rescue workers and others, will also speak to us in tribute on the anniversary of the event that shook our lives 9 years ago.
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FINALLY! A New Thought for the New Moon |
I close today's letter with this thought....
 To know where you are going, you
have to know where you came from. Finding fulfillment in the
present moment is like the act of driving the car. You look forward to see
where you are going; look in the rear view mirror to know where you came from;
and look out the side view mirrors to make sure you do not get side swiped. And
remember to enjoy the ride because, in truth, your planned destination may
prove elusive.
Michael Finkelstein
SunRaven |
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 The Next Installment: Full Moon, September 23, 2010
Autumn
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