Waiting for 2012

I learned yesterday that as soon as the summer solstice is over, the trees begin to shut down, pulling their energy back in preparation for the cold season.

It explains why I am seeing already, before August is half way through, leaves changing colour and falling; in another sign of pending autumn the birds are stirring long after daybreak these days and there is a coolness to the air. Many of our summer visitors have left and we are the poorer for their departure.

Here in Wales haymaking is complete and the harvests are in and even though the school children are on holiday still, like many families, there is a sense that people here are closing down too. The chimney sweep is busy as we turn our thoughts to the need for evening fires soon, boilers are being checked and winter fodder for livestock is being bought in.

At about this time in our calendar, invariably I wonder where the months have gone and comment, along with many others, on how this year is flying by. These reflections have a particular poignancy this time because we are counting down to 2012, and a landmark date which seemed comfortably far distant is becoming closer by the day.

While I know that the date is symbolic and that the planetary metamorphosis that it represents is under way now and will continue for some time after 2012, I know too that 2012 will be a year to remember, not (here in Britain) for the hosting of the Olympics and other planned events, but for the unexpected. It will be a year to remember and to commemorate.

I know that in a year’s time I will be observing the rhythms of nature and country life once more, and the year beyond that too. The pulse of the planet will continue to beat in its steady, stately rhythm for millennia yet to come and human life will be a part of its pattern still. It is the nature of humanity which will change most in this cycle of transition which we call 2012, and it is important that it does.

As, today, I look back and look forward I feel gratitude for what has been and almost relief that the time of real change is approaching fast. Nature around me, too, in my beautiful Welsh sanctuary, maintains her routines but waits, as do I.