Let the Fall Begin!

There are two specific events that signal to me that fall has arrived – and a word of warning,
these are very New Mexico-centric! One is the smell of roasting green chile and the other is the
Burning of Zozobra. Being a Native New Mexican, and one who has spent the majority of my
life in the Northern part of the state, I can easily say I am not alone in my fondness of these
indicators of the turning of the seasons, but I can also easily say that my nostalgia for these
events is deeply personal and woven into the fabric of my memories.

The aroma of green chile roasting over an open flame is more than just a seasonal scent; it’s a
signal of the harvest, a reminder of home, and an invitation to gather around the kitchen table
with loved ones. Likewise, the Burning of Zozobra, an annual tradition in Santa Fe where a giant
effigy known as Old Man Gloom is set aflame, represents a collective release of troubles and a
communal welcoming of the new season. These events not only mark the passage of time but
also provide a comforting rhythm to the year, a reassurance that no matter what happens, some
traditions remain steadfast.

In the world of therapy, there is a well-known set of writing techniques based on the premise that
writing your thoughts down in an expressive way is a tried-and-true method of dissipating
complex memories and emotions. These techniques include standard journaling, using prompts
to dig deeper into one’s psyche, and even the ritual of safely storing or destroying the written
words—sometimes through shredding, dissolving with water, or burning. Much like the Burning
of Zozobra, these acts can symbolize a release, a way to acknowledge and let go of the past.

We each have our own indicators of fall, those unique markers that signal the change in seasons,
both external and internal. For some, it might be the crunch of leaves underfoot or the return of a
favorite sweater. For others, it’s the tangible shift in light as the days grow shorter. But beyond
the sensory cues, there’s often a deeper, more introspective shift—a time to reflect on what
we’ve harvested over the year and what we’re ready to release. Just as New Mexicans gather to
watch Old Man Gloom go up in flames, we too can use this time to consider what burdens we are
ready to burn away, what memories we are prepared to let dissolve like the smoke rising into the
autumn sky.

Fall, in its quiet transformation, invites us to acknowledge both the beauty and the necessity of
change. And as the green chile roasts and Zozobra burns, I am reminded that with each ending
comes the promise of renewal—a fresh start, a new season, and perhaps, a little less gloom.

Blessings to you on this journey,

Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks, LPCC
Executive Director