|
The Seasons of Change In nature, we witness regular cycles that even as children we learn to expect and welcome. The sun comes up in the morning and goes down at night. We move our lives around that cycle, sleeping at night, waking to a bright day. In this cyclical way, we observe nature progress through the seasons; winter – hibernation, spring – new growth, summer – maturity and fall – the shedding of leaves to begin the process again. When we experience change in our lives, a similar seasonal cycle occurs. It may not happen in a twelve-month cycle; in fact each of us moves at a different pace. But recognizing that there is indeed a cycle can help us experience and even anticipate change as we move through the colder and darker phases, when it can seem bleak and fruitless. And knowing the seasons will shift again can remind us to claim and squeeze every ounce of productivity and inspiration from the growing and flowering periods in our lives. The most exciting, fruitful and energy producing part of this cycle, to me, is Spring. Springtime occurs when we experience a new idea, become involved in an inspiring organization or meet a new person we connect with. It is awesome, the effort and energy that is generated by the sheer force of thinking in a new way and opening new paths of possibility that may not have been there before. This is a time for activity and consideration, with many ideas being explored. What may not be so obvious is that this exciting, energetic time will usually follow behind a winter of despair, disconnect or disappointment. And so, in spring, we begin the new cycle. We clarify what is important, understand our goals and objectives based on where we did not enjoy being most recently, keeping an eye on what obstacles lay ahead. And the one obstacle I am careful to remember for myself is that the fall and winter loom ahead. Past the initial experience of change (or spring), we become complacent and happy. We know what we are doing, feel pleased with our results and want things to stay as they are at this moment. Summer is here. Confident, assured of success, happy in the changes we have brought into our lives and ready to continue on this path. This is a ripe time. Each breakthrough, shift and accomplishment shines and represents our “finally getting it”. But we should also recognize what is coming next. Fall happens. This is the first setback. The change that wasn’t expected, planned for, accounted for in the foreseen obstacles. This is actually the most opportune of times, but also the most challenging. The learning that happens in this period is what allows for real change and permanent progress. How we address a setback speaks to who we truly are and what we can accomplish in this lifetime. Winter can be a bit trickier. This is that time when we may actually disappear for awhile. In this season, we may avoid paying attention to our goals, distract the people that inquire how things are progressing and ignore that sensation that feels like we are letting ourselves down. It helps to know this barren place exists and is actually the origin of rebirth and new direction. In my experience, if I am able to accept that I will be here for however long it takes, a new spring is never far behind. Winter can seem pointless and detrimental to growth and progress, but it is this season that demonstrates nature’s perfect plan. A dogwood will endure winter by dropping its leaves, storing energy and protecting itself through the harsh conditions. So too, if we bear down, hide away, store energy for the next cycle of growth, we can look forward to our own personal spring. All phases are necessary and even essential in the process of become more fulfilled, authentic and balanced. Knowing you are in the midst of a winter cycle may not always seem helpful, but knowing that spring will soon follow can provide the hope and reassurance to make it come more quickly. Knowing that each of these phases is part of our experience and can be valuable allows a more conscious and accepting approach to those parts of our life that aren’t going exactly as we might hope.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Susan
Maravetz