Embracing the 4 Seasons in the New Year

At the start of the year, we hear so much about goals and resolutions that it can be easy to tune them out. That's why I won't talk about goals or resolutions, and why I'm writing this in February!

Instead, I’d like to share with you how each of the seasons can support our personal growth. From nature and the seasons, we learn that loss usually cycles into growth and new life. We learn we must often surrender to the unknown in order to move forward. Each season has its own gifts.

When winter arrives, my friend, Jill, reminds me it’s time to slow down and prepare for the activity of spring. We see this natural slowing down in nature when the other mammals hibernate and when they speed up again in warmer weather.

I invite you to look at the year in terms of the four seasons and what each element and each season has to teach you. I’ll leave an area under each season so you can print out this article and take notes as to what you’d like to do during that season this year.

Water: Winter

Water and winter represents when energy is stored and awaiting a time to explode outward and start a new life cycle. That it comes right before the energy of spring is perfect. In winter, I plan to rest and renew myself to prepare for some big projects in the spring. How about you?

YOUR NOTES:

Wood: Spring

Spring indicates the start of the season cycle, a time of new beginnings. It’s also the time of the Wood element, which is the energy that brings forth new growth.

In spring, I am fulfilling my strong desire to create a global community using my abilities with the internet and coaching.

YOUR NOTES:

Fire: Summer

Fire represents the energetic phase of the cycle. It’s no surprise that this is the most expansive time of the year. Plants are green and active. Our bodies are limber from the heat, and we have the ability to be open to all that is out there; we do not need to contract from cold. Activity is at a peak during this time and cooperation prevails.

This is usually my favorite season. I love how the air smells of grass and leaves. In the summer, I am allowing myself to embrace the unknown in a risky (fun risk!) way.

YOUR NOTES:

Metal: Fall

This stage begins the withdrawal process, from a great deal of activity to a quiet period with, perhaps, more solitude. Energy from the previous season can be readied for the traditional fall harvest. This is a time for inner reflection and meditation, when one can draw in and store the essential energies that are useful. During this season, I’ll remember how all of the seasons are linked to one another. To start being quiet in the fall leads to more quiet in the winter. The quiet of winter allows for energy in the spring, and the spring energy propels us into summer.

YOUR NOTES:

Deborah Ager is a Life Transition Coach and helps people embrace change in adventurous ways. You can learn more about her work at lifespacecoach.com.

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