The usual process for one who wished to seek an audience with the king was an arduous one. However, once a year the king would travel far, and prior to his return to his capital, while still in the fields outside the city, he would make himself available to anyone who wished to see him. He would patiently listen to every individual and grant them their wishes.
Such is the aura of the month of Elul. G‑d makes himself available to all those who seek him. Before the seriousness of the High Holidays when 'the king is in the palace' and not as accessible, G‑d is 'waiting in the field' for us to return to him, strengthen our good actions and correct mistakes we may have made.
Rabbi Avrohom