Identifying the Season You're In
"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance." — Yoko Ono
This magnificent quote really encapsulates how various seasons come with their gift. It also alludes to being able to experience a mix of emotions and moods which during whichever season you find yourself in. I often read the most magnificent pieces of work, but I frequently ask myself, "How?" How do I step from the knowing into the doing? We've spoken about Reflective Cycle Journaling; now, let's practically unpack how to identify the season of life you may find yourself in.
Sense Into Your Energy
Spring: You feel excited, motivated, and ready to start new projects or adventures. There's a sense of renewal and optimism.
Summer: Your energy is at its peak. You're highly productive, social, and enjoying the fruits of your efforts.
Autumn: You may feel reflective and introspective. It's a time to take stock of your achievements, reassess priorities, and let go of what no longer serves you.
Winter: You're experiencing lower energy, craving rest and quiet. It's a period for introspection, self-care, and slowing down.
Assess Your Emotional State
Spring: Emotions are often light, hopeful, and enthusiastic. There's excitement for what's ahead.
Summer: You feel confident, joyful, and fulfilled. This is usually a time of thriving.
Autumn: You may feel nostalgic, contemplative, or even bittersweet as you reflect on past experiences.
Winter: There's a need for solitude. You might experience deeper introspection, seeking answers or comfort within yourself.
Observe Your Focus and Goals
Spring: You're setting new goals, brainstorming ideas, or embarking on new beginnings.
Summer: You're focused on execution and maximising results. It's about pushing forward with your plans.
Autumn: You're assessing what has worked, what hasn't, and making adjustments. It's about harvesting the results of your hard work.
Winter: You're stepping back to plan for the future. This is a time for resting, reevaluating, and strategising.
Consider Your Social Interactions
Spring: You're eager to connect, meet new people, or engage in collaborative projects.
Summer: You're at your most social and engaged, enjoying celebrations, gatherings, and networking.
Autumn: You may be more selective with your time, focusing on meaningful conversations and connections.
Winter: You're withdrawing socially, preferring time alone or with a close, trusted circle.
Pay Attention to Your Environment
Notice how external circumstances are affecting your internal state. Are you in a period of expansion (spring/summer) or contraction (autumn/winter)?
Are you being pushed to start something new, sustain ongoing efforts, reflect, or rest?
Once you can locate where you are, you can embrace it and decide which direction you want to head in. How you respond during every season is vital for progressing through the season too.
I love these concluding thoughts from Rhonda, founder of Christian Meditator.
"What determines whether we advance to the next level is how we handle the seasons that show up. We may go through a dark time in our life (winter); we plant the seeds of trust and faith (spring); our seeds come to fruition (harvest), and then we reflect on and evaluate our accomplishments (fall). It's amazing how you can find this pattern in just about anything. When we fail to make it through each season successfully, we are usually destined to relive them again in another place and time. Therefore, it's best to make our way through them with love, grace, trust, and faith."