Cooler temperatures in August, the first acorns dropping from the oaks,  hint at the coming end of summer. Emotionally, we feel ourselves preparing for the change.

We anticipate the end of summer on two levels, in terms of current feelings and historic, visceral response.

On one level, summer’s end means an end to the easy times: warm weather, outdoor recreation, long hours of daylight, fresh fruits and vegetables to eat. Reading a book on the beach or taking a nap in the hammock make summer such a sensual delight.  The unstructured days and warm evenings are so wonderfully relaxed. Even if we have promising plans for the fall, most of us feel at least a tinge of sadness about summer’s departure. It’s the obvious emotion of the season.

On a deeper level, there is more. Built into our historic consciousness, the end of summer meant the coming of hardship. For our ancient ancestors, winter meant risk of death from cold or lack of food. Though it is still many months away, we  are aware that the waning of the easy season will lead to the hard, dangerous season. We can’t help sensing it.

If the closing of the summer season feels ominous to you, recognize that you are not alone.  The sensation is deep within your primal awareness.

It’s wise to notice the feeling for what it is. Then go out and enjoy what brilliant summer days you have left.