“O sacred season of Autumn, be my teacher for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment…..’ - Edward Hays

My birthday arrives right before the change of season every Autumn. For many years now I have chosen to honor this turn of the sun by doing something ‘outdoorsy’ as one of my friends calls it and this year was no exception. I was able to slip away for my first cross country travel in three years to celebrate. My destination, the Oregon coast and Portland to visit family that have put down roots there. The actual day of my birthday was forecasted to be rainy so I took advantage of the few days ahead that were going to be spectacular. My husband tends to get up early most days so he took that time to find a few local things for us to do. He did not disappoint in finding experiences as my presents that required no wrapping paper. Mt Hood, the largest mountain in Oregon is quite popular for recreational reasons but mostly just dang beautiful to look at especially at sunrise or sunset. Without me knowing our destination we set off early for one of the best viewing locations, Jonsrud. ‘The viewpoint offers …. expansive views of Mount Hood and the Sandy River Valley, as well as the "Devil's Backbone," a ridge named by pioneers who were traveling on the Barlow Trail.’ I was grateful to simply enjoy the scenery and not need to travel the way of the pioneers.

Then off to the Oregon Coast following the Umqua River, numerous tree nurseries, vineyards and hops farms. Signs denoting we were in Tsunami prone areas (a tad unnerving) let us know we were getting close to our destination. While my husband golfed, I explored a 10 mile trail that offered breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, colossal sand dunes and a woodland forest. Discovering the labyrinth tucked away in a forest clearing was my favorite part of this hike. Walking a labyrinth is a splendid contemplative walking practice (one I have done many times). This one is my new favorite, a replica of the Labyrinth on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France, ‘a metaphor for our journey through life. It’s path leads toward an inner light, to the center of our self and the center of the sacred; one and the same. It’s direction, at times, is confusing, taking us around, and then back again. Yet, it is through this circular journey of discovery and growth that we reconnect to where we once began.’ Apparently this trail is seldom used so I had the space to myself and had my own ‘collapsing of time’ experience (a feeling that the normal flow of time is compressed into something more compact’), completely immersed in the elemental beauty of my surroundings. The perfect spot to begin my next ‘turn of the sun’ surrounded by the ‘standing ones’, cedar, maple, fir and an occasional sequoia.

Spending a morning on a Pacific Coast beach offered another opportunity for a ‘time standing still’ experience. Written warnings that ‘I should seek higher ground if I feel a shaking sensation’ immediately created a sense of fear and alarm. My nervous system eventually calmed down after sitting for awhile just noticing my surroundings and orienting to this place, a small tributary leading to ocean full of beach stones and tiny currents. The land invited me to create a letting go ritual to enter my new year with less baggage. A small piece of bark became a boat. I blew items I was releasing into some twigs and flowers, placed them in the ‘boat’ and sent them off downstream to reunite with the ocean feeling lighter and calmer.

Eventually I just began wandering along the shore gathering beach items for my nature mandala I wanted to create in honor of my life journey. Day Schildkret’s Morning Altar wisdom through nature, art and ritual’, guided this process, It’s purpose simply ‘to sanctify something and offer it up to a higher source’. Before I knew it three hours had passed and time had stood still. Day says ‘for hundreds of thousands of years, people all over the world have nourished life through ritualized earth art’. This practice allows one to tangibly and interactively reengage with the ‘greater-than-human world through a sense of wonder, play and reverence.’ We need rituals, way markers, to honor where we have been, maybe grieve something, offer gratitude for any lessons learned and then let it go. A beautiful mindfulness practice to honor the sacred in every day and remember our connection to the natural world. More of this please as I start fresh into this new year.