The Graze V.125: Tilted Alongside

Dear Friends:

It is fascinating to watch the landscape shift at Mission Farm as the seasons change. Here is a locals guide to the season.

September 22 is the first day of fall this year. I love the description of the autumnal equinox as the moment when the planet’s axis is ‘tilted alongside’ the Sun (rather than tilted toward it as in the summer or away from it in the winter). This is a moment when there is a balance between light and dark, day and night. A reminder that human beings are not the center of the universe but are a part of a miraculous system.

This time of year in Vermont always seems to evoke a sense of perspective and expansion. Autumn brings (even primitive) reminders of our own growth, harvest, death and rebirth alongside the transition in the weather and the foliage. We are connected to nature as our own journey tilts alongside the great cosmos.

The tasks of autumn connect us to this larger perspective, even as I fill baskets of fresh, ripe tomatoes from the garden and think about all the possibilities of my next meal. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes makes me curious about the best way to dry them or freeze them for the winter. The process of picking them off their wilting stems helps me to focus on their color and the way they hang gracefully on the vine.

And there is a connection in the repetitive process of splitting and stacking firewood for the winter. The patterns of the logs and the smell of the wood (as well as my sore muscles) connect me to the flow and cycle of the season. (And I certainly don’t take all the credit for splitting the firewood at Mission Farm!! For that I give credit to Mitch and Scott and Morgan - and their sore muscles!)

These tasks shift my consciousness from lack and wanting to prosperity and gratitude. Wood transitions from matter to energy as it is cut, carried and burned in the wood stove. Tomatoes transition from matter to energy as they are harvested, sliced and eaten. I am grateful for these autumnal tasks from which to experience divine love in a truly joyful and embodied way!

As we clear out the garden and stack the wood, I wonder if there is an opportunity during these fall days to make room for what’s to come in the next year. As we move toward the cold and dark winter, what is emerging within us?

There is no gathering this week at Mission Farm. Join us at Mission Farm in the Orchard for our next gathering on Sunday, October 2 at 9:30am to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals. Don’t forget your pets!!

Also, on October 2, Wrensong will join us for Choral Evensong at 4pm in the Chapel at Mission Farm. All are invited to take part in this unique and beautiful tradition. See more information below.

With gratitude as we journey ‘tilted alongside’,

Lisa