A brief moment of reflection and gratitude. The blog started its sixth year this week. We recently passed 300,000 visits and over 1500 people who follow each day. As I have said before, I try to keep it simple – looking for words or ideas that help mindfulness meditation practice without me getting in the way too much, and hoping that they touch one or two readers in the same way as they help me. Thank you all so much for visiting. As Autumn deepens, we reflect and move on:
Here in Ireland the Gaelic word for October is Deireadh Fomhair, which means the “last harvesting” of what was planted earlier in the year. The weather system has changed these past few days, the leaves have started to fall in earnest, and it is clearer to see how Autumn signals a change in energy, a winding-down, as all of nature – and that includes us – prepares for the different tempo and darker days of winter. So we can use it as a season to find our balance between our past and our future, as our focus naturally turns more inward. We can use it as a time to look back on the work we have done this year, the way we have expended our energy. We can use it to take stock of what we are investing in and harvesting in our lives. Or we can use it to wind down and create space, recognizing the unwise busyness that only creates more anxiety in our minds, keeping us running a lot, but sometimes just making us feel more empty.
Western laziness consists of cramming our lives with compulsive activity,
so that there is no time at all to confront the real issues.
Sogyal Rinpoche
photo Jeff Borden
Mindfulbalance 
I love that last comment – it goes along with the trend these days that promotes the “culture of busy” ….as if it is something to be boastful of, but complain about at the same time. Thank you for sharing and congrats on your milestone 🙂
Thank you Joy,
Yes it is sometimes seen as desirable to say you are really busy,
Best wishes,
Karl
Thank you Karl for a timely and beautiful reflection. May we enjoy this season, Anne.
Thank you so much for the daily words of wisdom faithfully offered over the years. You will probably never know fully the harvest in the lives of all your readers. But I for one am reaping the benefits of the regular thoughts and quotes arriving in my email. Thank you again.
Hi there and thanks for the comment,. I do agree about not knowing about effect, so I just post and hope it touches someone. Your own blog and project is lovely, well done. You were visiting not so far from me earlier in the year, in Ballitore. It seemed a lovely trip and I hope you got a lot from it,
Best wishes,
Karl
Congratulations. I’m a new-ish follower, but love the moment of quiet that you provide each day.
A daily inspiration in moving forward towards greater gratitude for the blessings life bestows. Thank you, Karl, for your continued presence in the lives of so many people – a wonderful community of peaceful and growing positive energy.
Congratulations Karl on this milestone. Your blog has become an integral part of my day, and gives me a feeling of contentment as I enjoy the first cup of tea every morning.
Your wonderful posts start my day simply. Thank you so much.
Congratulations. Keeping it simple. I really do like that. Thanks for providing a place for finding that balance.