In Praise Of Fall

Robert Fettgather holds a Ph.D in Psychology and Masters degrees in both Psychology and Special Education and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from West Valley College. Robert Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both psychology and developmental disabilities. The Institute for Personality and Ability Testing has certified Robert Fettgather as a Stress Management Trainer, and Medical Hypnosis Seminars of the Los Gatos Institute has certified him in Clinical Hypnotherapy. 

As the warmth of summer begins to fade and the air turns crisp, fall arrives with a quiet grace, bringing with it a unique charm and beauty that captures the imagination. It is a season of transformation, a time when nature dons a cloak of those seasonal colors. The pace of life seems to slow, inviting us to reflect, gather, and savor the moment. Fall is more than just a transition from the heat of summer to the cold of winter—it is a celebration.

Trees that were once lush and green explode into a symphony of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. This vibrant display, created as trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves, is nature’s final flourish before the stillness of winter. The sight of these changing leaves, whether in a dense forest or lining a quiet street, evokes a sense of celebration and wonder. Fall’s beauty is not limited to the trees alone. The season brings a golden light that bathes the world in a warm autumn glow...so very beautiful.

There is reflection. In fact, the reflective quality of fall can also bring a sense of renewal. The shedding of leaves symbolizes the letting go of what no longer serves us, making space for new growth in the future. Just as nature prepares for the dormancy of winter, we, too, can use this time to clear out the clutter in our minds, homes, and hearts. It is a time to shed old habits, embrace new perspectives, and reconnect with what truly matters. there may be something healing in the act of letting go.

While fall can be a time of solitude and reflection, it is also a season that brings people together. With its association with harvest, fall has long been a time of gathering and celebration. From festivals to family dinners, the season offers countless opportunities to come together with loved ones and share in the abundance of the earth. One of the most iconic symbols of fall is Thanksgiving, a holiday that centers on gratitude and togetherness. The warmth of a home filled with family, friends, and delicious food reflects the spirit of the season—one of connection, generosity, and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.

Fall is a season of quiet magic, a time when the world slows down, and we are invited to do the same. It is a season that dazzles us with its beauty, comforts us with its warmth, and challenges us to reflect on the passage of time and the cycles of life. As the leaves change and the days grow shorter, fall reminds us to appreciate the richness of the present moment and the connections we share with others. In praising fall, we celebrate not just the physical beauty of the season but also the deeper sense of renewal, reflection, and community that it brings. It is a season that encourages us to let go of what no longer serves us, to gather with those we love: The deepest of celebrations.