SPRING
We see the process of change all around us being mirrored in the seasons throughout the year. Springtime heralds the onset of rebirth and new beginnings. The daffodils, tulips, and crocuses pop open in a burst of fresh color to dot the landscape. The dogwood and cherry trees adorn themselves as if preparing for a wedding ceremony in delicate pink and white blossoms while April showers pour out kisses of dewdrops upon every tender petal. A sweet scent fills the air and our spirits are given a measure of hope as we see this new life emerge in stark contrast to the bitter cold and darkness of winter.
SUMMER
Following this fresh burst of growth, summer arrives on cue to represent the fullness of life; the crowning glory of the year in all its plenty. Life is caught up in the momentum of production and energy, bursting towards full maturity. Then a subtle change begins to occur as we see this explosion of life begin to wane. It has expended all of its energy and longs to settle into a time of rest and renewal in order to burgeon with new life in due season once again.
AUTUMN
As the exuberance of summer draws to a close, the calming presence of autumn begins to settle in. It is beautiful to behold as we see the splendor of color painting the landscape; a living canvas of beauty reflecting the artistic hand of its Creator. As if by magic, we watch as the leaves on the trees change into a kaleidoscope of color before our eyes; one last glorious display to bid the world farewell. They have served their purpose and know that it is time to let go. One by one, we watch as a gentle wind comes along like the breath of God to detach it effortlessly from the limb of its temporary home. Guided along in invisible arms, it is gently laid to rest upon the ground. In return, the earth receives it with a kiss of greeting and a welcome home.
WINTER
To the casual observer, what remains is a barren tree, stripped of its clothing and beauty, naked to the world and exposed to the harsh elements of the environment. Life appears to be swallowed up in death. Winter has arrived and a period of darkness descends and looms over all as the bitter sting of cold sets in. Yet we know that this is not the end. It is not a permanent state but a temporary dormancy period where many things are happening, although unseen to the naked eye. This is simply just another part of the process; a necessary phase of change. And like the year before, new hope will be rekindled and spring will usher in a time of new birth, growth, and new beginnings for us once again.
How magnificent and fragile this life is!
And so it is with each one of our lives. Like spring, our birth propels us dramatically onto the scene and we awaken and draw in our first breath of life in an unknown world. We arrive naked, helpless, and dependent upon those who have entered before us to act as our guides and teachers for a time until we are ready to explore it on our own.
We learn to live and walk among one another. We partake of the same breath of life and dwell under the same sky. We are warmed by the heat of the same sun and share in the miraculous cycle of life in a continuous movement towards the inevitable death of our bodies. Only to emerge again as if born into something new, yet still part of what continues to exist. It would seem the essence of our existence is left behind as a memory to those who remain; both a tangible and intangible legacy for all who have yet to make the same journey.
Let the seasons in life help you accept the process of change as a natural part of the journey. Whether you find yourselves in the springtime of new hope and beginnings, or still traveling through the darkness of winter, hold on to the here and now. Embrace the season knowing that change is inevitable and we can either flow with it or resist it, but it continues on with or without us taking a proactive part in it. Yet, be patient and loving to yourself when in the midst of the winter. Springtime will come again when we are ready.
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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. What season do you consider yourself to be in right now?
2. What endings have recently taken place in your life and what impact has it had on you? Did this ending result in a noticeable loss? Did it require a period of grieving? If so, where are you at in the grief cycle?
3. During a period of quiet reflection, invite your heart and soul to bring to your awareness anything in your life you will need to consciously end or stop doing before new growth can take place. What comes up for you?
4. If you are needing to end something, how does that make you feel? Are you prepared to do what you need to do? Or are you frightened of taking action?
5. What is currently going well in your life and could represent the season of summer? This could be an area of strength; either permanently or temporarily.
6. How well do you manage the various seasons and cycles in your life? Do you expect most things to be in full swing as if it is summer all of the time? Or do you recognize that ‘there is a time for everything under the sun’? Including a season and cycle for sowing, growing, and harvesting?
7. If the idea of cycles and seasons for different phases of your life is new to you, how does this insight help you accept the natural fluctuations in various parts of you and your own life?
8. What new possibilities are springing up inside you and around you right now? It may only be a glowing ember rather then a burning flame right now, yet make a note of what is stirring within you. What and who sparks you interest? What is capturing your attention? What desires are stirring within your soul begging to be heard? What dream or vision is begging to be manifested?
9. What have you learned during some of your transitions between your last ending and new beginning? What are the most significant things you’ve learned from past seasons and cycles?
10. If you’ve lost a loved one at some point in your life, do you have closure? Have you been able to properly mourn that loss with full acknowledgement of your pain? Has it been validated? What do you still need to accept and then let go of? What is still lingering that needs to be layed to rest? Are you at a place where you can celebrate the life and memories shared together?
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Additional Related Resources:
Seasons of Change Spiritchat Questions (December 28, 2014) by Samantha Hall
The Perilous Journey or a Grand Adventure by Samantha Hall
Don’t Turn Away by Nic Askew
In the Life of Another by Nic Askew
Having Tea With The Dragon by Dan Oestreich
Life Cycles: Seeing Beyond the Pain and Into Totality by Dr Nick Campos
Change Your Life, Change Your Story by Alli Polin
The Challenge of Change by Steve Keating
Three Ways to Bring the Dead to Life by Dan Rockwell
