Autumn's Renewal variations on a theme

September's kiss, a gentle sigh,
Summer's end, a sweet goodbye.
New beginnings, hearts aflame,
As teachers watch, a fresh acclaim.

Nature's dance, a playful tease,
Rain and winds, a summer's ease.
Sunny days, a warm embrace,
Autumn's promise, a hopeful chase.

Renewal's time, a season's grace,
Darkness nears a winter's space.
Dreamers dream, of love and art,
Poets' souls, a beating heart.

Walkabouts, a journey's quest,
New things tried a life's behest.
Unexpected magic, unfolding bright,
Dreams unseen, a guiding light.

Days go by, a million miles away,
Until the dream, a sudden fray.

Autumn's winds, a winter's near,
River's calm, a peaceful sphere.
Booms and tugs, a wooden tide,
Fish migrate, an ocean's ride.

Life's cycle, a constant flow,
Spring's hope is a joyful show.
Autumn's harvest, a promise true,
Renewal's joy, a season's hue.

A Time of Renewal

September whispers, soft and low,
A summer's end, a fall's bright glow.
The leaves begin their dance in air,
As autumn comes with winds to share.

Mother Nature, playing tricks,
With rain that falls, and sun that sticks,
One moment cool, the next, a blaze—
A playful end to summer's days.

Yet in this shifting, turning tide,
There's something more that can't hide—
A chance to start, to dream anew,
As skies turn grey, and winds break through.

I see it in the old man's eyes,
The hope that in these fall-filled skies,
They’ll find a spark, a fresh, clean slate,
Where dreams, like seeds, can germinate.

And as I learned on distant ground,
Where walkabouts bring sight profound,
The unexpected joys appear
When we let go, embrace the year.

Dreams are closer than they seem,
Sometimes they drift just like a stream,
Invisible until they’re true,
Unfolding when we least construe.

As fall winds blow and winter nears,
The river stills, but life adheres—
The fish, the wood, the earth in sync,
Life’s cycles draw us close to think.

Spring blooms with hope, a bright rebirth,
But autumn’s magic holds more worth—
The harvest yields its richest store,
And with it comes a promise more:

Even in the cooling air,
Renewal waits, beyond compare.
In fall, we find the seeds we sow,
A time for change, for dreams to grow.

Links to help you mediate

 Here are some helpful websites and resources where seniors can learn about meditation and its benefits:

• National Council on Aging (NCOA): This site provides a helpful guide on the benefits of meditation for seniors, including stress reduction, improved mental clarity, and emotional stability. The NCOA emphasizes the value of mindfulness, breathing exercises, and other meditation techniques suited for older adults. They also offer various health and wellness resources. You can explore their content here.
• YWCA Greater Los Angeles: This site offers detailed information on meditation techniques for seniors, including mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and chair yoga. These practices help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support emotional and physical well-being. Their programs are tailored to seniors, with accessibility in mind. Visit YWCA Greater Los Angeles.
• Mayo Clinic: Known for its medical expertise, the Mayo Clinic has a dedicated section explaining the health benefits of meditation, including reducing stress and improving overall well-being, which can be especially helpful for seniors. The site offers practical advice on how to get started with meditation and different techniques. Learn more here.

In addition to these websites, here are some YouTube channels that offer guided meditations suitable for seniors:

• The Mindful Movement: This YouTube channel offers simple guided meditations focusing on relaxation, stress relief, and mindfulness, ideal for beginners and seniors. Check out their videos here.
• Calm: The Calm YouTube channel provides short, accessible meditation practices that can help seniors build a regular practice. View their content here.

• Mindfulness for Seniors: https://www.heritagewoodsseniorliving.com/10-mindfulness-activities-for-seniors-in-retirement/ - This website offers specific guidance and resources tailored to seniors, including articles, meditations, and courses.
• Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/ - While not exclusively for seniors, Headspace offers a variety of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises that can be beneficial for older adults.
• Calm: https://www.calm.com/ - Similar to Headspace, Calm provides a range of meditation programs and sleep aids that can help seniors relax and reduce stress.
• The Chopra Center: https://chopra.com/ - This organization offers meditation and wellness programs based on ancient wisdom, including options suitable for seniors.

YouTube Channels:

• Mindfulness for Seniors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLTwed97s8o - This channel provides a variety of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises specifically designed for seniors.
• Tara Brach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO7t8iIRQdg - Tara Brach is a renowned meditation teacher who offers accessible and compassionate teachings that can be helpful for seniors.
• Mindful Movement: https://www.youtube.com/c/themindfulmovement - This channel combines meditation with gentle movement practices, which can be beneficial for seniors who want to incorporate physical activity into their mindfulness routine.

These resources can help seniors explore the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in a supportive and accessible way! Remember to choose resources that resonate with your personal preferences and learning style.

Support your local Food Bank this fall

 As the leaves change colours and the crisp autumn air sets in, many of us are reminded of the importance of community and giving back. This fall, consider supporting your local food bank to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around you. Food banks play a vital role in providing essential groceries to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity, and your contribution can help ensure they continue to thrive.

Unfortunately, food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions of people. Some stats show that one in eight individuals struggle with hunger. Many families, including children, seniors, and working individuals, are forced to make difficult choices between paying bills, buying groceries, or seeking assistance from food banks.

Food banks are a lifeline for those in need, providing a safety net of nutritious food, fresh produce, and other essentials. They not only distribute food but also offer resources, such as job training, nutrition education, and social services, to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty. By supporting your local food bank, you can:

• Help stock shelves with fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and other staples.
• Provide meals for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
• Assist in food rescue efforts, reducing food waste and supporting local farmers.
• Contribute to job training programs, empowering individuals to gain employment and self-sufficiency.

This fall, consider the following ways to support your local food bank:

• Donate Food: Organize a food drive at your workplace, school, or community group. Collect non-perishable items, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice, and drop them off at your local food bank.
• Volunteer: Many food banks rely on volunteers to sort and distribute food. Contact your local food bank to learn about volunteer opportunities and make a difference in your community.
• Make a Monetary Donation: Financial contributions allow food banks to purchase fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, as well as support programs and services. You can make a one-time or recurring donation online or by mail.
• Spread the Word: Share information about your local food bank on social media, and encourage friends and family to get involved.

This fall, as the harvest season brings an abundance of fresh produce, consider supporting your local food bank to help those in need. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. By donating food, volunteering, making a monetary donation, or spreading the word, you can help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and the resources they need to thrive.

Find your local food bank and get involved today! Together, we can harvest hope and create a more food-secure community for all.