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Autumn Changes
Autumn is a time of change, threat and opportunity, which makes it an ideal time to regain your meaning and purpose.
I’ve read a couple of articles recently about how autumn, nearly upon us now, can be difficult and challenging for some.
It does not surprise me. For many years I have regarded September and October as the critical turning point. And turning points, by definition, are about change — and anxiety and stress.
At this time of year, the rural countryside around North Yorkshire, where I live, is at full throttle. Combines, grain trailers, bailers, flatbeds and ploughs are everywhere. The farmers and contractors are working flat out to get in the grain that will become our bread over the coming months.
The countryside has been building up to this all year, which makes it unique. Farmers are juggling so much now. They have to reconcile the weather, the ripeness and dryness of the grain, and the machinery (often contracted out and in high demand).
For most of the year, the countryside moves along slowly and steadily. Even spring can creep up on you almost unnoticed until the arrival from Africa of the swallows, swifts and martins in April. However, the change at this time of year, as summer slips into the mists and the mellow…
