Emptying out

 I've been reflecting on letting go and emptying out, taking my cue from nature's shedding, and also in preparation for the autumn retreat I'm leading in a couple of weeks' time.
As I took an afternoon walk, I found the berms covered with bits and pieces from people's homes. It's inorganic rubbish collection time, held at the perfect time of year, when nature is also getting rid of debris, ready for winter. What caught my eye was one chair after another, plus a sofa, too covered in debris to photograph.

I pondered on these empty chairs, thinking of the use they've had, the people who've sat on them, and the many conversations that took place.

And now they've served their time. I wonder what new seats have taken their place, and with what pleasure they are being tried out, and what new conversations will take place from within their arms.

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

Henry David Thoreau