Seasons of Life: Autumn-Winter

Naked Big Oak Tree in the Haze – Neils Kliim (courtesy of Flickr)

December marks the final month of the calendar year, the beginning of a season of stillness in nature and a descent into the darkest time of year.  Most of the wildlife have stored their food for the long winter and are getting ready to settle into a period of semi or full hibernation.  A majority of the trees in the northeast have already released their leaves in preparation for the cold weather ahead. This idea of seasons is relevant to humans as well.  There are moments in our lives when it's necessary to become still, during the cold night, in order to reflect, listen to our inner wisdom and gain clarity.  At other times we enter a longer period-- a "season" where we descend into the unknown territory of the darkness like the wintertime, where our shadows and fears wait to be confronted.  
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Recently I reflected on the macro and micro cycles that we move through in our lives.  On my morning walk, I considered the trees and the teachings they offer about the challenging "seasons" of our lives.  Some of the magnificent oak, maple and sycamore trees in my town have stood for years, decades and even centuries while weathering the cycles of life.  What helps them move through the difficult time periods of the year?  Upon further exploration, I found that trees have several adaptations that help them survive when the weather is unfavorable.  Just as we surrender beliefs and habits that no longer serve us, at the end of autumn deciduous trees begin to drop their leaves knowing that the extra mass, moisture and wind resistance of those leaves would be detrimental to their survival during the wintertime. Trees are also keenly aware of their resources and their weaknesses as they enter the colder season of the year.  For example, a tree is wisely covered with lighter colored bark which helps to regulate its internal temperature and protects it from freezing to death. Just like a tree, when we are descending into the dark times of our lives, it is beneficial to know and connect to our own resources. Often friends, solitude, stillness and even nature can serve as a support to help navigate the challenges along the uncharted path ahead.   

This month, I invite you to take a walk outdoors and consider the trees where you live.  What is the teaching they have for you?  What season of life are you currently walking through? If you are in a period of uncertainty do you have resources, like a tree, that support you?

Finally, I offer this beautiful poem written by Ilan Shamir, whose name means "protector of the trees." His work is about loving nature, creating products and programs that celebrate the beauty of nature and human nature. For more information abut Ilan visit Your True Nature.


Advice from a Tree

"Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!"

-Ilan Shamir-