Letting Go: Embracing Autumn's Gentle Invitation into Presence
As once green leaves begin their transformation into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, we are greeted by one of the most enchanting seasons of the year: autumn.
This season is a farewell to the vibrant energy of summer, and a prelude to the introspection of winter. Autumn’s energy holds profound lessons about the nature of change, letting go, and the journey of presence we are all on.
The Beauty of Impermanence
One of the most captivating sights of autumn is watching leaves detach gracefully from their branches and dance whimsically to the ground. There's a poetry in that act — the tree letting go of its leaves, not out of disdain or rejection, but as a natural course of life.
At the heart of the fall season is the undeniable beauty of impermanence. Embracing this fleeting nature, can free us from the grasp of attachment and the fear of change.
For many of us, letting go can be challenging. We often cling to memories, grudges, regrets, and fears.
But just as trees release their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for the next season, we too might find renewed strength and clarity by letting go of what no longer serves us.
I wrote this poem while immersed in nature and creating the paintings for The Earth Collection.
Study of Foliage is an emotional exploration of the cyclical nature of life, and the inherent beauty in the act of letting go. The seemingly chaotic brush strokes, scattered like windswept leaves, aim to capture the transient moments when we have to embrace change and find serenity in life's fleeting moments.
Study of Foliage
18 x 24”, mixed media on canvas.
Original painting, hand signed. Maple frame included.
Purchase this original painting online: Study of Foliage
Fine art prints in both paper and canvas now available.
View the full collection: The Earth Collection
“Letting Go” by Christina Contaldi
A fall leaf,
In colors of gold
And burnt orange -
Trickles down,
And lands
At the foot of a tree.
“Beautiful” we say,
As life
Sits next to death.
Creation,
Preservation,
Destruction.
Brahma,
Vishnu,
Shiva.
The cycle,
That inevitably
persists.
Where one stage,
Cannot be favored
Over another.
For it is all,
A temporary gift
Of impermanence.
I created a FREE Autumn Intention Setting Guide that will help you set your intentions with the seasonal energy of autumn.
This step-by-step guide will help you let go of what no longer serves you, to make room for new opportunities and growth. Just enter your name and email below, and I’ll send this powerful guide directly to your inbox!