Fading Light and Other Delights

@jweckschmied

Over these last two weeks, the change has been undeniable — the light is fading, the nights are closing in. At first, there was almost a sense of disbelief - is it getting dark so soon? And yet, each passing day brought acceptance as we slowly began to process that summer is bidding us farewell. Our days have shortened to April's length, and while April feels like it is comfortably stretching out, September feels like it is cozily tucking us in.

In the season of White Dew (Sept 7 - 22), the dew settles overnight, and the late-morning sun makes the droplets shine like crystals. A sense of freshness and renewal settles into the scenery. Many plants perk up and put on growth after the heat of summer, and there seems to be a newfound cheer all around. While there is not the exuberance of youthful spring, early autumn offers us the contentment of age and experience at work in our lives. While youth cannot stay, perhaps the ripeness that follows is sweeter.

White Dew is one of my favorite seasons throughout the entire year. It is still a time full of anticipation. While pumpkins might already be appearing in stores, it will still be months until we carve them - and the thoughts of the festivities to come fill us with excitement. Meanwhile, the trees have begun to flush, blush, and glow through whispers in their canopy. No, not ablaze yet, but perhaps that glimpse of scarlet means more to us now because we know what will follow…This early beauty seems a precious, hidden jewel that only those who look closely can discern.

White Dew is a time of newfound vigor in the human world, too. The return to school, schedules, order, and tradition. We have all grown a bit tired of those carefree summer days, and it feels good to commit. Indeed, as is often quoted, autumn is a second spring, a time to begin anew. A new semester, a new page, a new endeavor. So, as the light fades and the trees begin to glow, embrace the season for what it is and what it can offer. Don't mourn summer’s past; celebrate it as you move forward.