By Anne Kertz Kernion
“To say it was a beautiful day would not begin to explain it. It was that day when the end of summer intersects perfectly with the start of fall.” ~Ann Patchett
We have had some glorious autumn days here in western Pennsylvania. The sunny, chilly mornings have been a gift, as we’ve experienced “the end of summer intersecting perfectly with the start of fall.” I’m deeply grateful for these days, but find myself torn, too. While I rejoice in the cooler temperatures, I’m also mentally bracing myself for the shorter, cloud-filled days ahead.
But if I’ve learned anything from neuroscience, it’s that what we focus on changes our brains. If I continue homing in on these upcoming changes and the accompanying dreariness, the pathways associated with the unpleasant emotions are strengthened and amplified. I need to remember that the turnover of seasons is not something I can control. Sure, that’s blatantly obvious, but reminding myself of that fact is helpful. Plus, there’s so much I can’t control besides impending grey skies, such as health challenges of a family member or the suffering caused by natural disasters. Fretting about these matters is like being in a rocking chair, giving me a lot to do, yet not getting anywhere. So since “Commander of the Universe” isn’t one of my job titles (fortunately or unfortunately:-), I need to remind myself that the avenue to joy and contentment is to let go of these concerns, dwell in the present, and nurture gratitude for the gifts THIS day has to offer. No jumping ahead to the “What ifs.”
It’s a practice, I know! But as Elizabeth Seton reminds us: “Do your best and leave the rest to God.”
For fourteen years, Anne taught “Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning” at Carlow University; for seven years, she taught courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition to World Religions and Ethics at a local community college. Her first book, A Year of Spiritual Companionship, was published in 2016. Her recent book, Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul, was published in late 2020 and has won numerous awards for the integration of health and spirituality. Currently, Anne is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience, positive psychology, and spirituality to groups across the US and Australia.
For more from Anne, join us for her upcoming retreat Spirituality and Neuroscience: Nourishing Our Well-Being at the Retreat & Conference Center from Friday, October 24 at 4:00pm to Sunday, October 26 at 11:30am.