Have you ever thought about the Earth’s seasons and how they can be a metaphor for our own lives? The way I look at it, these seasons can apply to us not only in terms of our chronological age and stage, but also in terms of what is going on at any particular point in our lives.
From a shamanic perspective, Spring is a time of new beginnings. Nothing has been formed, so it is a time of pure potential and infinite possibilities. During Summer, we step into a time of creating something out of those possibilities with intention, action, bustling activity, and manifestation, like a flower garden in full bloom. Autumn represents a time of slowing down, celebrating the harvest and fruits of our labors, and letting go of what no longer serves us. And Winter is a time of going inward to rejuvenate and integrate all we have done and all we have learned.
I find it can be extremely helpful to take time to reflect on where we are at, kind of like taking an inventory.
In September, I spent five days camping completely alone in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of New Mexico with support from my shamanic teachers. I fasted, unplugged from my cell phone and all electronics, and didn’t even bring a book or journal with me. It was an intense five days of disconnecting from our material world and reconnecting with nature on a deeply spiritual level.
Through that powerful spiritual experience, I came away with a renewed commitment to simplify my life and let go of what no longer serves me. I gained greater clarity that I am entering the Autumn phase of my life and, I must say, I am embracing it with excitement and joy!
At home, that’s meant asking my grown children to clear their old things out of the house. We’re sifting through boxes of old photos and packing up things we don’t need any more to donate them to charity.
And on a personal and work level, it’s meant clearing away some of my activities to re-prioritize my time.
When I found out that my office in Northbrook was scheduled to close, I took it as a sign that this was a good time for me to cut back on the number of days that I see clients. Three days a week at WholeHealth Chicago is a great way to remain engaged in my practice, and yet I feel lighter and more centered. By working fewer hours, I am able to spend more time with my family, travel, read, and deepen my spiritual practices.
In my work as a Healing Touch and shamanic healing practitioner, I often help people figure out what season of life they are in and help them transition from one phase to another. Often, my clients feel stuck because they don’t know what season they are in, but once they become aware, they are able to release blocks, move forward, and accept all of the gifts that each season of life has to offer.
What season of life are you in?
Thank you for your article. It helped me think of my life in a different way. As I enter my generative or SUMMER phase I’m mindful of the work that has to be to create a beautiful bounty. There is self care and nourishing but also making space for the bounty. I think of a garden that needs water, sun, (light), but also pruning and weeding.
Great reflections, Espy. Thank you!