A Cycle Of Reflection

Changing Of Seasons

In this modern world, it is easy for many of us to
feel loosely bonded to the world's cycles. As many of
our duties tend to stay the same through both heat and
cold, the equinoxes and solstices may carry little
weight. Yet the seasons do shift, daylight waxes and
wanes, and, sometimes extravagantly and often subtly,
nature changes her face. Many ancient cultures devised
artful explanations for the never-ending transition
from spring to summer to autumn to winter. The Navajo
Indians believed the seasons were caused by
Estsanatlehi, the wife of the Sun God. They believe
that Estsanatlehi renews herself each spring, blossoms
in the summer, ages through the autumn, and dies in
the winter.

The four seasons are often associated with a joyous,
eternal cycle of life. We can look to the cycle of the
changing seasons to create meaning within our own
lives. In each season, there is a prevalent mood that
can inspire poignant reflection. Autumn ushers in
crisp, chilly mornings and evenings. There is a
shortening of days and a lengthening of shadows.
Winter creates a bare landscape bathed in bright, pure
light. Spring is a time of regrowth and new
possibilities. While summer is a time of long days
during which the rich fullness of those possibilities
can fully blossom. Like the changing seasons, life is
cyclical. Look back over the years, and you can see
your own symbolic springs, summers, autumns, and
winters.

Each new season brings with it familiar joys that can
be pleasurable to reacquaint yourself with. Try eating
seasonal foods and participating in seasonal
activities. Decorate your home with spring flowers,
yellow and brown leaves, or holly. Give in to your
body's seasonal desires. You may feel like nesting in
the autumn or staying close to home in the winter.
Embrace the feelings that each new season awakens
within you. Above all, savor the changes, knowing that
each season that passes will come again. As we welcome
in autumn, breathe in the last perfumes of summer's
flowers while enjoying the coolness of autumn.
Celebrate the longer nights by spending time with
loved ones, just as you celebrated the lengthening of
days by rushing to greet a renewed outdoors. Always
remember that each season can connect you closer to
the earth's cycles while bringing something special
into your life.