Changing of the Seasons

Moving from summer into Fall is one of the more challenging times of year for many of us.  The days are getting shorter and colder, it is beginning to rain here in the Bay Area.  In other parts of the country, snowfall is imminent.  We naturally begin to turn inwards with the changing of the season.  For that reason, in the cycle of the Jewish year, the teachings and holidays during the month of Elul (which falls in between September and October) point us toward a time for deep reflection and renewal.  We look back on the entire year behind us and contemplate our deeds; actions and words.  We look at our relationship with each other, the Holy Presence in our lives, and with ourselves.  And we have the opportunity to make amends and start fresh as we move into Autumn and Winter.  In this way, we are offered the chance to become more gentle with ourselves as the darker and colder days descend upon us.  Because this is the New Year in the Jewish calender, it is acceptable and expected for us to do this.  And the expectation and prayer is turned toward hope and faith that we will be blessed with life and health in the coming year.  So we can let go into the deepening and not feel as though there is something wrong with us.
In mainstream psychology there is a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder which implies a condition where people become depressed during the Winter months.  The Western medical model seems to be quite good at creating disorders out of naturally occurring states of mind...  Yes, it is natural for us to deepen into ourselves and become more stagnant during the Winter.  When this is understood and worked with as a cyclic experience that is natural to our human 'being', we can realize that it is not a dis-order - but rather, part of the natural order.  As humans, we are just like the flowers, the trees, the animals, the Earth herself, all of whom take part in the turning of the seasons.