Welcome to The Wildroot Parables weekly discussions! This is where we can come together as a community and have real talk with one another: open, honest, gracious, and curious.
This is YOUR space to discuss with each other, not just engage with me! Because of this, SAFE SHARING is my highest priority. If you are not engaging safely and with grace with others, you will have to leave. Period.
Thank you for entering this space with care!
On Monday, I talked about the memorial service held for an elderly neighbor and how good it was to grieve together as a community in a way that felt right to honor him. This, I believe, ties neatly into the way we interact with autumn, a sort of annual “death” that we experience together and can learn from if we try.
I understand that death is a difficult topic to discuss, so I won’t insist on talking about death directly. Instead, let’s discuss impermanence.
What do the seasons—autumn specifically—teach you about the temporary nature of things? How do you deal with the idea of letting go? When you look at Creation, what roles/actions do you see the plants and animals playing out this season that we can emulate in our own spiritual and physical lives?
Just published a short story covering some of these themes, SE. Without irreverence, I think it’s about getting naked. The deciduous trees speak to me of Job 1:21-22. It was shame that made us hide in clothes (Gen 3:11) and they’re obviously a metaphor for the parts of our hearts we foolishly think we can hide from God. I think life is a peeling off. Layer after layer. Willing or otherwise.
The seasons teach us that life itself is an ongoing cycle of change. And, autumn, in particular, teaches us that letting go is not only necessary for more abundant flourishing later, but that the process can be one of beauty.
Just published a short story covering some of these themes, SE. Without irreverence, I think it’s about getting naked. The deciduous trees speak to me of Job 1:21-22. It was shame that made us hide in clothes (Gen 3:11) and they’re obviously a metaphor for the parts of our hearts we foolishly think we can hide from God. I think life is a peeling off. Layer after layer. Willing or otherwise.
This is so beautifully said, Adrian! Is your short story somewhere that others can read it?
Thanks SE, can’t believe I missed an opportunity for shameless self-promotion: https://adrianconway.substack.com/p/the-five-seasons. Really enjoying your journey with words.
The seasons teach us that life itself is an ongoing cycle of change. And, autumn, in particular, teaches us that letting go is not only necessary for more abundant flourishing later, but that the process can be one of beauty.