The season of autumn ushers in a feast for the senses, with beautiful scenery, rich scents and changing weather patterns. The crispness of the air wakes us up after the lazy days of summer. We move to new tasks and initiatives. This season speaks to us in several ways. This time of year, is also ripe with wisdom; here are five key teachings of the fall season:

1. Radiate your Beauty to the world

Autumn brings an abundance of fall colors and textures. The reds, oranges, yellows, golds and rust tones of autumn delight the senses in landscapes and rich sunsets, inspiring poets and visual artists. Take it all in and see the wonders that the hand of God has done. Take the time to radiate your own beauty and creativity to the world. That means we must be filled with joy.

2. Connect with Your Shadow

After the long, bright sunlit days of summer, autumn brings earlier sunsets and longer shadows. It’s an ideal time for thoughtful introspection and shining the light of awareness on our own shadow parts. We look at our inner selves and see what can be improved.

3. Learn to Let Go

Trees willingly and naturally shed their leaves after putting on a radiant fall show of colors. Is there anything in your life that’s ready to be released? Maybe there is jealously or anger toward someone who has hurt you. By letting it go, we can concentrate our energy on all that is good. Enjoy the brilliance of all that has ripened and come to fruition, all the positive things that are in your life; but be willing to let go of what you do not want in your life. It will pave the way for new beginnings.

4. Save for Lean Times – prepare to deal with problems

Even as birds and woodland creatures are enjoying the abundance of fall, they are also storing away portions of their autumn harvest and preparing for leaner times. Enjoy the blessings of the season, but remember to plan for the future. Build up your character; prayer life, generosity, hope, faith and love even more.

5. Find Balance in our own lives

In the world that pulls us to serve the world, we also need to take care of ourselves. Balance is key. If we do not eat right, exercise and rest, we will not be able to serve others. The autumn equinox signals equal amounts of night and day, serving as a reminder to find balance in our own lives. Autumn is a study in contrasts, warm one day and cool the next; a sunny day followed by a day of rain. We experience all of this. If we apply these lessons from autumn in your own life, we will become one who is ready to serve the people of God in whatever may come.