The Four Seasons of our Lives

By Rashida Gokcebag

The cycle of four seasons is a general rule in most continents across the world, with varying degrees of severity with or without the influence of global warming. In this post, I want to focus on the general principles of the four seasons and how they symbolically reflect the seasons in our personal lives.

There is no season that comes first, so I will start with winter. I am going to call it the time of trial. We lost someone dear to our heart, severed a friendship, lost a job, are battling a disease, lacking purpose, or doubting self-value. It is a rough winter, but the severity will vary depending on how prepared we were, to what degree physically, emotionally, spiritually nurtured and nourished we were in autumn. How mindfully we collected and stored our reserves, our necessities for the upcoming and unavoidable winter season.

Thus, autumn/fall is the season of preparation. It is the season in which we are not yet in the very midst of the most trying times, but we can sense it coming from the cooler winds and changing colors in leaves. Sometimes the cold sets in abruptly, without warning. Sometimes the winter is milder than the previous years. Whatever the case, we know it ought to come at some point. The more prepared we are, the better we will fare the winter, to the point that the trying times can be a time of growth. Just like trees and plants appear lifeless in winter, their roots are full of life and vitality, holding their ground for the coming spring. And just as trees and plants that are in a healthy state are more likely to survive the winter, our overall wellbeing come winter will impact our chances of survival, our level of resilience, and our chances of blossoming once spring arrives.

Spring will come, no doubt. It is important that we hold onto that hope during winter. The arrival of spring is like the light at the end of the tunnel. There will be some frosty mornings, some remnants from the winter that is transitioning out. Some need for processing grief, for holding space for ourselves. Some days will be warmer, and soon there will be colors everywhere. First green, and then yellows and purples and blues.

As we warm up to the new season, we will take notice of the developing fruits on the trees. We’ll start to make plans, we will feel a renewed sense of courage and excitement. Going out will be easier every new day. And then... summer. The time for enjoyment, ease and new possibilities.

Careful, it is easy to get carried away. To forget that the seasons are always shifting, and that summer is not forever. Practice gratitude in those months and remain mindful & present, without letting fear and worry for the future take away from savoring the blessings and fruits of this season. And when the leaves begin to change color, embrace a new opportunity for growth.

It is possible to experience a “summer” in one aspect of our lives while simultaneously experiencing a “winter” in another aspect, or all aspects in one season. It is possible to feel a sense of blossoming, a new opening in one part of our lives while we may be experiencing a mild winter in another aspect. Or we could feel that we are at a point where we are simply vibing, like the feeling of listening to the sound of waves crashing onto the shore on a breezy summer day, immersing our feet into the hot sand, or meditating at the sight of the beautiful zinnias as we water them in our garden.

I invite you to reflect on all the important parts of your life, and what seasons you may be experiencing in each of them. If it’s been looking like a heavy winter, don’t lose sight of the approaching spring. Tend to your roots. Or maybe this is a good time to prepare yourself for the winter, to tend to your needs, gather your essentials. Maybe it’s been a fun summer so far. Don’t forget to ground yourself. If you are in the midst of spring, tend to your young seedlings, protect them from the occasional frost, lingering feelings of hurt, disappointment, hopelessness. Hold space for yourself, and know that there are new possibilities and hope, if we only allow ourselves to grow by honoring each cycle of our lives.