Ah, Labor Day.  The official end of summer.  Just as Memorial Day marks its onset, Labor Day ties down its retreat. It will still be warm for weeks but every one's gears are now shifting towards Fall.

Endings come with their own set of feelings don't they? Most are hardly noticed: moments, to do lists, assignments--all the parts of daily livings.  But there are far more powerful endings aren't there?.  Sometimes with those we are simply relieved to have passed through a life event that was difficult and challenging, glad to have finished with it, perhaps proud of our stamina and courage and ready to carry on. There are also endings that leave us devastated and feeling the loss of something we never imagined could happen. That ending brings with it the stark knowledge that the way we have been in the world is not the way we will be able to go forward. It is very clear that whatever has happened in our lives in not going to be worked out like a one hour TV drama, even if it is continued to another episode. 

So what to do? Here's something to consider. While you are reeling with our remorse, or guilt or shame or sorrow over the results of your actions or choices, try to hold on to an important characteristic of endings.  They are not random but uniquely specific. Don't you hate that part?  But hold on dear ones, they arrive complete with all the  knowledge you need to help yourself. No, you will not hear the whirling blades of a rescue helicopter. What this means is if you can sit with all your churned up feelings long enough, you can find what you need to move toward more liveliness and vibrancy. And how do you do that? Get yourself to a place in the natural world that comforts you. It might be the swing in the back yard.  It might be the park down the street or that country drive. It does not matter as long as it offers solace to you. Just go and let the Real World drain off the dark things that are clouding your heart and scaring you to death. It's where the real living takes place. Go as an act of devotion even if you don't believe you are worth it, or can think of countless reasons it isn't possible. If you can, eventually you will discover what inside yourself needs to be loved or accepted, maybe changed or just forgiven because you are finally able to see it is blocking the way to what endings also always have-- a door to a fuller life.

Have a lovely holiday weekend.  May it bring real rest from your labors.