Connecting to the Earth - A Rock Mosaic

   In August the Sun begins to wane, the quality of light becomes softer, almost gentler, slowing us down after the mad pace of the world and the events of the Summer, where we try to relive our childhood Summer days at the beach or mountains, fields, meadows or lakes. Taking stock of things, becoming more grounded it seems, as we pass through late Summer and into the beginnings of Fall. The ever changing seasons, bringing a new perspective as we pass through each one.

   As part of living a natural life - and certainly not preplanned - was the spontaneous creative urgency to create a natural border along side a path I  built to access the back yard. Simple squares from the nursery, one foot by one foot, created a meandering path in and amongst the dark compost and pine needles. The stones I chose were earthy toned, a bit of reddish brown, to compliment the dark soil and greenery. Grounding, solid and exact in their geometry and dimensions.
   Parts of the earth surrounding the new stones were sloping and so to keep the earth intact I took several random stones and pressed them into the soft ground as a border, to enhance the area and keep the dirt in place and not wash away.
   An amazing thing happened, because it all began to fall into place, naturally it seemed. My fingers eagerly pressing the various shaped rocks into the ground. Nothing symmetrical - it was more wavy in nature - hence a water influence perhaps which created a unique pattern that seemed to flow. A great deal of blood, sweat and mud went into this - especially proud when as the days went by the rocks actually began to look like they belonged there and had always been there.
   Most of the rocks were mainly found through out the property - all shapes and sizes and patterns - making it appear natural and organic as though something had poured the rocks from above and they settled in a random but fitting pattern. I tried taking rocks from another pathway but no, it didn't feel right to remove them. The rocks from the other pathway were there for several years, already blended and at home. Secure in their pattern.
   In doing this it felt like I made something more beautiful. As I worked in the heat of Late Summer I began to sweat and feel uncomfortable, but in doing so - it not only connected me to the earth but also to myself. I began to shed all the worries and fears of daily life, felt the stress melting away. The more I worked and the more I sweated my muscles and limbs became looser. My fingers were sore yet somehow more nimble, like they did when playing the piano, a long lost memory. 
   I began to look forward to working on the border every morning, early, before the Sun came blazing over the house and into the yard. After awhile I was compelled to do it, by something taking me over, something connecting me to the earth and nature, to the very rocks themselves. It made me whole again.
   Every rock was a different shape, color, grain and texture which was part of the beauty of it all. If a rock or series of rocks did not belong - you could automatically feel it and they would have to be moved or replaced. Sizes need to vary to create what the land needed, and the spacing between the rocks also had to be balanced and then there was the nearness to the patio stones. All flowing naturally, weaving, blending. A certain amount of rocks had to be large, which were smooth and rounded, as though anchors for the design. Smaller stones in and out amongst the larger anchors fell like raindrops scattering and becoming solid when they hit the earth, some magic transformation. In color it seemed to call for the darker stones, other whiter pebbles seemed at times a harsh contrast.
   One side did not seem to flow. It called for smaller and more random stones, like a sprinkle of bread crumbs from Hansel and Gretel. I redid that section five or six times, plucking stones, changing sizes until at last it felt like it flowed.

   By the time it was done the rocks appeared to be growing out of the earth, as much a part of the landscape as the rhododendrons and Virginia Creeper, and the delicate ground cover I added of Creeping Veronica, as well as some clover present, for the rabbits of course, for originally this was their place to take naps and listen to me talk on the phone in the late afternoons as evening would approach. The pattern now seemed complete and it gives me joy every day when I walk along the stones.
   Humans crave symmetry, because we are made that way, and nature can provide the natural patterns.

Living with nature,
Maery

Autumnal Equinox 2018
   I hesitated to write this season's Equinox article because the weather has been so strange. Each season is usually clearly delineated, but lately nothing has been normal with the weather. A warm winter, at the beach in February, cold and rainy in Spring with the heat on until May, and then blistering heat for the summer. Our first hurricane of the season was a rain event with much flooding. Things are barely cooling down as we approach this year's Autumnal Equinox. What kind of winter will we have?
   
  This coming week will bring us the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd. Things have slowly been transitioning back and forth between Late Summer and Autumn these last few weeks. The days are getting shorter, the air is cooler, there is a distinct sense of slowing down. A time of transition, so we should be careful to watch our health as well.
   Below I will include the health tips for this particular season as a reminder to nurture and care for ourselves. Be kind to yourself and be careful of stress as we make the changes to Autumn and then Winter.


Autumn and Health

Autumn grasses

   Autumn is a time of reflection. Summer has ended and we move into another cycle of change which will ease us into winter. Once the harvest is over, things will begin to go dormant. A time of rest, reflection and regrouping. What we do for ourselves in the time of Autumn in regards to our health and well being will surely fortify us for the long winter to come.
   Autumn begins officially on September 22nd on the Autumnal Equinox - when the night's darkness equals the length of the day, and now nights will become longer, until December 21st on the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night. The days then slowly become longer.
   Animals start to gather food for winter, and we all slow down from the fast pace of Summer. Each cycle is in preparation for the next.
   In the Chinese Five Element Theory, Autumn is associated with the element of Metal. Metal governs communication such as phones, television, transportation and speech. People who talk alot or talk too much have an imbalance of Metal. Metal is also associate with the minerals of the Earth.
   Metal is expressed in the mind and expression in the development of ideas, creativity, writing and speaking.
   Its direction is the West, which is where the Sun sets. So it makes sense, Autumn represents endings, the sunset of our lives for the season. The color associated with Metal is white. If you need Metal you can decorate with more white or incorporate more white into your wardrobe.

Autumn colors

   The emotions that relate to Metal are worry, grief and sorrow. A moderate amount of these emotions is reasonable, but excess can injure or affect the lungs or large intestine, which are the We remember the good times of the recent past, we remember our loved ones who have passed away. Again it is good to reminisce but not to hold onto the past. Autumn can be a time of letting go, deciding what needs to stay and what needs to go. Together with emotions, the sound of Metal is weeping or crying. It is all right to shed tears, it is a normal release of emotions, but not to take over your whole life or interfere with your daily life. If you notice in September it always seems to be a time of reflection of where one has come, and remembering those have gone from our lives.
   The sense organ of Metal is the nose, and then of course the sense associated with Metal is the sense of smell. Our sense of smell is very keen, and is a direct conduit to the brain through the olfactory nerves. Using essential oils during the Autumn months as things transition could be very helpful. Mint is very cleansing but also very calming and good for the emotions. Lavender too is very relaxing. Find what scents work for you. It would seem Autumn would need musky, earthy smells, combined with something medicinal and cleansing as well. To ground oneself and cleanse at the same time would be ideal.
   The flavor of metal is spicy or pungent, with things like peppers or mustard, which help to pen the sense, clear the sinuses and stimulate the lungs. However, too much spice can injure the lungs.
   The body fluid connected with Metal is mucus. One of the functions of mucus is to coat and protect the mucus membranes and the fluid can wash away debris and bacteria. Excess mucus can indicate a Metal imbalance, not enough water or eating too much mucus producing foods. It can promote accumulation of bacteria and also cause inflammation which is a key factor in many disease states.
   The climate is dryness. A state of being too dry or too wet is not ideal and is not helpful. So there needs to be a balance. If your home has heat via hot air, you may need to humidify your air. If you live in a damp area such as near the water, you will need to worry about mold accumulating in the air and the home, so an air purifier might be needed, or a dehumidifier if extremely wet. Each place requires different things, but you can work towards gaining balance.

 The organs for Metal are the lungs and large intestines. They are about taking in nutrients and expelling waste products. It is easy to see that if these organs become inhibited by toxins that the rest of the body will suffer, for toxins can build up and clog the systems.
   Diet is important of course, but so are environmental toxins such as pollution and cigarette smoke. If you live in a city or area that is heavy polluted you might want to invest in an air purifier for your home, especially the bedroom. I also use a mister with mint water to purify the air. If you have central air conditioning make sure to clean the filters regularly. Keep the home free of dust by vacuuming and cleaning often.
   One the of the best ways to purify the air in your space is to have plants. They are great ecology cleaners and clean toxins from the air. Plants do best with a southern or eastern exposure -depending on where you live.
   Deep breathing is also essential for lung health and for cleansing as well.
   Problems with lungs can turn up in the skin and hair.
   Lungs do not do well in a cold, damp climate so it is important to keep warm
   Congestion of the large intestines leads to dysfunction and can cause abdominal discomfort as well as back aches in the low to mid back area. It can also cause pressure in the head, nose, sinus, neck and result in headaches, sore throats, and lack of energy.
   Dietary considerations fro both the lungs and large intestines include eliminating alcohol, fatty foods, fried food and chemicals and preservatives, as well as meats, dairy and refined foods. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high amounts of fiber and foods low in fat is helpful. Mucus forming foods include dairy, meat and sugar. Also try to avoid too much caffeine.
   A cold is often a sign that toxins have built up in the body.
   Since Metal is associated with the mind, meditation is also helpful. It allows the mind to relax and repair instead of being constantly supercharged by all the stimulation of modern times with televisions, phones and computers.
   Autumn is a good time to do a cleanse, however always remember to check with your doctor before making any dietary changes. Cleansing, eating properly and exercise and proper rest will help to set the tone for having a healthy Winter.

Be well,
Maery