Tis the Season: Aligning with Nature's Flow

Thanks to a prompt by Craig Cooney, my quiet time this morning was spent thinking about nature's four seasons - winter, spring, summer, and fall - and how life mirrors the natural order to things. 

The topic of seasons also came up in a coaching conversation last week where a client was trying to figure out what season she was in. (What she discovered is that she was in different seasons in different areas of her life. It felt that one area held both spring and winter for her. But... I'm getting ahead of myself...)

The seasons aren’t just about weather. They’re a powerful metaphor for the ups and downs, ebbs and flows of our lives. Each season carries its own pace, focus, challenge, and gift.

As I look back over the seasons of my life, I've come to realize that when we recognize the season we’re in, we can align our actions and energy with what feels right, instead of fighting against the flow.

Winter: Rest and Reflection

Winter is the quiet season. It’s when life slows down, energy dips, and the world feels still. Just like nature takes a break, winter in our lives is about pausing, reflecting, and preparing for changes ahead. With winter, we might have feelings of alone-ness, doubt, and questioning our direction. The days are short and dark and we might want to succumb to the cold and dreary but we can't forget about the warming fire inside, the beauty of snowflakes, and the sparkle of twinkle lights. Winter is not about doing... it’s about being. This is when growth starts to happen beneath the surface, setting us up for what’s next.

How to Align: Give yourself permission to slow down and revel in the wonder of winter. Let yourself rest. Reflect on what’s been working and what hasn’t. Journaling or quiet moments can help you recharge and reconnect with yourself. Be patient with yourself as growth and renewal is happening even if you don't notice it.

Spring: Growth, Hope and New Beginnings

Spring is all about fresh starts and possibilities. What you planted in another season starts to bloom, and the energy feels lighter and hopeful. In our lives, spring shows up when we feel ready to try something new, set bigger goals, or step into a different chapter. Be aware of your natural tendencies to say yes to many things in springtime. Make sure what you say yes to aligns with your time, energy, and priorities. After a long winter, spring is a breath of fresh air and an invitation to plant seeds for the future and let excitement lead the way.

How to Align: Just like buds start small, you can too. Try that thing you’ve been curious about or take a step toward something bigger. Be intentional about what you're growing and trust the process of unfolding.

Summer: Abundance and Action

Summer is when everything feels full of life. It’s a season of action, celebration, and connection. In your life, summer is when you’re feeling energized, productive, and ready to share what you’ve been working on. It’s a time to enjoy the moment and celebrate how far you’ve come. You might have the thought (or maybe you've even been told) that it's unbecoming to shine brightly, but your light is not meant to be dimmed. Just as the sun reaches its peak, summer invite you to shine fully and savor the fruits of your efforts. 

How to Align: Dive in and go for it! Share your successes, spend time with people who lift you up, and soak in the brightness and energy of the season. Let yourself shine.

Fall: Letting Go and Gratitude

Fall teaches us to embrace change. Leaves turn vibrant colors before falling away, reminding us that letting go can be beautiful. In your life, fall is about reflecting on what’s working, being grateful for what you’ve learned, and making space for the new. Maybe there's something you need to grieve so that you can fully step into change. It's a season to harvest lessons, express gratitude, and let go of what no longer serves you. It's a season of transformation. 

How to Align: Take stock of where you’re at. What’s worth holding onto, and what can you let go of? What role is grief and gratitude playing in your life? Embrace the art of graceful release and trust that letting go is part of moving forward.

Finding Your Season

Life doesn’t move in perfect order. You might feel like your career is in spring while your personal life is in winter—and that’s okay! The magic happens when you notice what season you’re in and work with it instead of pushing against it.

Every season has its purpose. Winter gives you rest, spring brings fresh starts, summer lights you up, and fall helps you grow through change. Pay attention... honor where you are... and trust that it’s all part of the bigger unfolding of your life. Instead of getting stuck, approach each season with revelation (discerning what's happening) and wisdom (seeking to understand) so you can create more harmony between in your inner life and what's happening around you.

So, what season are you in? 

In the Braver Together Community, the December giveaway is Katherine May's book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. It's easy to enter... simply answer a question about a wintering experience in your life. You can do that HERE.