"The seasons change their manners, as the year had found some months asleep and leapt them over." - William Shakespeare.
Personally, it's always been a fascinating experience watching the surrounding landscapes change as each season passes. And I've always been grateful to be privy to these transformations.
There's something about the natural world that is so inspiring and serene.
But beyond just the beauty of it all, the changing seasons teach me some important lessons about life.
I arrived in Boston from Thailand in early August 1972 to begin my college education. The Fall of 1972 was the first time in my life to experience the season change. During my thirteen years living in New England, I've had a revelation that reshaped my viewpoint on falling autumn leaves.
I was taught that a tree sacrifices leaves and sheds them so the trunk can stay alive. And while that's true from a technical standpoint, it isn't easy to see the metaphor behind it.
A tree spends many months growing new leaves to support budding flowers. And only for those beautiful flowers and leaves to cascade down to the earth.
I learned the importance of "letting go" of autumn trees. But, unfortunately, I sometimes — am guilty of wanting to hold on to what I've invested in, whether that be time, money, energy, or that special "someone" who has occupied a space in my heart.
I sometimes do this because I am afraid of change or what the future holds.
I know that if I don't let go of these things eventually, they'll only bring me down. I understand that shedding is not only a natural but necessary process for trees (and all plants!) to undergo.
It allows them to rest and rejuvenate so they can return more robust than before.
The changing seasons also teach me about impermanence. I have experienced multiple seasons throughout my adult life. And each season provides clues for a tribute to my intuitive nature.
When I face seasons of difficulty, I know they aren't everlasting. Almost everything I believe, see, touch, feel, and my being here on this earth is temporary.
The world continues to spin, and the seasons keep changing whether or not we're ready. We all grow buds and flowers in our lives, only to eventually shed them.
But the shedding is not the same as giving up. I believe changing seasons permit us to honor the entirety of ourselves — the light and the dark. The beautiful and the ugly. And it's okay to shed what's not working anymore so we can progress.
Humans are not meant to go through life alone. Like trees need sunlight and water to grow, humans need human connection to thrive.
Changing seasons continue to offer valuable lessons and wisdom about why we should embrace change, for which I am grateful.
"Listen to your intuition and be open to change. After all, change is the only constant in life." — Aura Alex.
This is an entry to the November Challenge hosted by Debe Maxwell, CRS. Thank you!
Photos By Unsplash
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