Inner Seasons

Stimulating thoughts about the natural phases, cycles and seasons have been occupying my mental real estate of late. There are phases in a relationship, the moon and personal growth and development. In science we study about the cycles in plant life, the tides and the earth's rotation. Commonly when we think about seasons the 4 seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter come to mind.

These ideas were prompted by three recent events in my life: 1) attending a workshop on the 4 phases of retirement (who knew there were phases!), 2) the summer season creeping upon us and 3) my circadian rhythm being off since returning from the Midwest because of the 3 hour time difference.

I know humans have phases and cycles so I was intrigued to find out if individuals also have seasons. As it turns out we do have them and they metaphorically match nature. However, unlike the four seasons they are not attached to a calendar. They can also overlap and some people never inhabit all of them...just as all states don't have the same weather changes four times a year.

“Inner seasons” are about the recurring and changing emotional, psychological and spiritual phases people move through over time. They are internal rather than external. From a psychological perspective, and we know this from our lived experience, human beings are not designed to be constantly growing, happy or productive.

It is natural to have periods of awareness, expansion, integration, grief, healing, release and renewal. This is how the soul develops wisdom, authenticity, and a deeper connection to life. In other words, an “Inner Season” is more about what life is asking of us at any given time rather that what is happening outside of us.

The Inner Season of Spring is about awakening; curiosity, hope, new beginnings, being open and trusting. Beautiful questions to ask yourself if you find yourself in this season are: What wants to grow? or What am I being called toward? My Spring and Summer overlapped this year as I was experiencing a great deal of curiosity about learning to drum and draw and finding teachers. I am expanding my creative side and feeling more connected to my body when I practice.

The Inner Season of Summer is about embodiment; directing our energy outward into action, creativity, relationships or contribution. Beautiful questions to ask yourself could be: How can I be more fully connected to my body? or How can I serve my community with the gifts I have?

The Inner Season of Autumn is about surrender; what no longer fits whether it is a behavior, a belief, a pattern or ambition. It is a season of getting honest with yourself and letting go. Beautiful questions that might be helpful are: What am I holding on to that no longer serves me? or What lessons have I learned?

The Inner Season of Winter is about deepening: stillness, faith, reflection and inner listening for the deeper truths wanting to emerge. Beautiful questions to sit with might be: What wisdom is waiting to be heard? or Who am I when my familiar identities fall away?

Whether we think we are in a season or not...we are. Please accept my invitation to embrace this information and get curious about yourself at this time in your life. Maybe answer one of the beautiful questions about “Inner Seasons” or come up with your own. Regardless of the season you find yourself in this summer, I wish you healing, love, joy and peace.