Yesterday was Autumn Equinox.

If we think of the progression of the months as relative to the position of the earth and the sun, September 22nd is the point at which the length of daytime and darkness is roughly equal. A pivot point between summer’s warmth, and the chill of winter’s season of sleep.

Of course, fall is a season of reflection. It is natural to pause to look around, to take a measure of a summer’s work, to be thankful for the beauty of the golden rod, to feel satisfied with the harvest, that nourishment as proof of our kinship with the earth. And to know that with shorter days, maple leaves will soon flame red and yellow and then fall.

We sat for a while in the early evening by a fire in our backyard firepit. It seemed the right thing to do.

Gratitude commits us to living in reciprocity with that which gives to us.

If music makes our lives better, it’s our responsibility, and our pleasure, to make sure the musicians we love have what they need to continue to make their work.

If we love eating, it’s a gift and an honor to replenish the soil so that it’s fed and fat and happy.

Giving thanks is not just about expressing gratitude.

Giving thanks is about recognizing that the abundance we live in and enjoy is only possible if we give back in equal measure to what we receive.

[Autumn Equinox] is a reminder – living in balance in itself is a celebration.

— Amanda Yates Garcia