The wisdom of the cycle: Learning to breathe with the seasons of life

The wisdom of the cycle: Learning to breathe with the seasons of life

We live in a world that is obsessed with a perpetual Summer. We are told to be "on" 24/7, to be constantly blooming, and to keep our productivity levels at a permanent high. But nature, the greatest teacher we have, tells a completely different story.

If a tree tried to bloom all year round, it would eventually die of exhaustion. Why do we think we are any different?

The courage of the autumn (The release)

Autumn is perhaps the most visual lesson in vulnerability. It’s the moment the tree decides that keeping its leaves is more costly than letting them go. In our lives, Autumn is about auditing our energy.

• What habits are you dragging along that no longer serve you?

• What version of yourself are you outgrowing?

  Letting go isn't a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strategic survival. You are clearing space for what’s next.

The sacred winter (The subterranean growth)

This is the hardest stage for most of us. Winter is the "waiting room." To the outside world, the tree looks dead, but underground, something vital is happening. The roots are deepening.

If you feel stagnant, bored, or "stuck" right now, consider this: Growth isn't always visible. Sometimes, the most important work is the inner architecture of your soul—the strengthening of your character and the resting of your mind. You aren't "doing nothing"; you are preparing.

The resilience of spring (The rebirth)

Spring is the reward for surviving the cold. It’s the moment of "aha!"—the new idea, the sudden burst of energy, the new relationship. But remember, the bud only breaks through because it has been nurtured by the stillness of Winter. Spring teaches us patience; you cannot rush the flower. It will open when the environment is right.

The radiance of summer (The fruit)

Summer is the celebration of effort. It’s when we reap what we sowed. It’s the time for visibility, connection, and sharing your gifts with the world. The challenge of Summer is to savor it without the anxiety of knowing that Autumn will eventually return. Enjoy the warmth while it's here.

Why we struggle with the cycles

Our biggest source of unhappiness is often "Seasonal Misalignment."  We try to force a "Summer" performance when our soul is clearly in a "Winter" phase.

• We feel guilty for resting when the world demands movement.

True wisdom is knowing which season you are in and giving yourself permission to live it fully. If it’s time to shed leaves, shed them gracefully. If it’s time to rest, rest without apology. If it’s time to bloom, do it with everything you’ve got.

Trust the timing of your life. Even the longest winter eventually gives way to the sun.