Seasons

 

Living in Harmony

Seasons are cycles of shifting climatic changes that derive from our orbit around the Sun. Our Sun represents Yang energy and provides life to all nature on earth. Aligning to the laws of nature and living in harmony with the rhythms of each season is thought to be optimum for a long and healthy life.

Micro Seasons within a Season

In ancient China the 24 Solar Terms were created within the LuniSolar Calender as a way of measuring time and to harness the power of the Suns Yang energy for influencing the growth of crops throughout a year. These 15 day phases are an insightful guide to the rhythms that effect us all from the waxing and waning sun. Not only does this influence flourishing crops, but also infulences us, we are of course a part of nature.

Every season has an arc, in each, is six of the 24 Solar Terms, including the beginning of the season and its equinox or solsitice. The 24 Solar Terms gives us a detailed glimpse of natures energetic flow, by noticing the length and strength of the Sun (Yang energy) and how the natural world responds to it.

Disconnection is Disease

We too, are also responding to every phase and every season. Our problem is our disconnection to the flowing tides of energetic forces. Our separation from nature, disconnects us from our true nature, which is unable to develop, process and grow. We stay stuck in dysfunctional living, inside and on screens. A general sense of unease looms over us, as we live only in our minds and thoughts.

Connection and Attunement

Mind-Body connection is paramount for us to bond with the natural world. We have senses that receive energetic resonance. Notice what you see, smell, feel and hear the next time you step into a natural space. Notice how we must be present in our bodies and our senses to connect with nature.

True connection, is our full attention. Walk, explore, visit parks, gardens, forests, fields and landscapes surrounded by flora and fauna. Notice if you attune easily or does something stop you, do you find you are distracted with thoughts and chatter or plugging into podcasts and music. Resonating with natures wisdom helps us to reveal our internal nature our internal wisdom.

Natures Wisdom, Seasonal Teachings

How are these energies for you, are they strong or low in your life? Which season do you long for? Which is our least favorite? How do we react to the hope of Spring, the excitement of Summer, the ending of Autumn and the stillness of Winter?

Life Cycles follow Seaonal Cycles. The energy of birth and growth are expressed in Spring, expansion and joy resonate in Summer, maturity and ripeness chime with Late Summer, decline and endings attune to Autumn and death and regeneration are in accordance with winter.

Notice if you feel fragile or overwhelmed at a particular time of year. Perhaps you are in a particular life cycle or season that is asking for you to process and develop for your realignment. Try these simple tips below to support and attune to natural world in any season.

Living in Harmony with the Seasons

  • Spring - Birth : Be Active, take a walk in the woods. Bring some new houseplants into your office or home. Express your creativity through any form of art or movement.

  • Summer - Expansion : Get up early and watch the sun rise. Share a joke with friends. Go on an adventure. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Enjoy a sunset with someone you love.

  • Late Summer - Maturity : Walk barefoot in the last warmth of the summer sun. Volunteer in a soup kitchen. Pick berries, harvest vegetables. Prepare the home for the end of the year, nest, invite family over, share food with loved ones

  • Autumn - Decline : Start a breathing meditation practice. Clean out your closets and bookshelves, keeping only what has meaning and value to you. Write a gratitude list. Spend time in nature, Create quiet time for reflection, Recognise all you achievements and what make you feel unique, valuable and special.

  • Winter - Death : Visit a river, a lake or the sea, notice the flow of water and how it moves with ease. Make a note of what in life flows with ease and what doesn’t. Take a warm bath during the day. Be still, rest, take naps. Allow time for deep rest, mediate, body scan or yoga nidra. Notice natures hibernation, stillness the gestation period before renewal. Hydrate with water.