Soul of the Seasons

 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

 a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.”

- Ecclesiasties 3: 1 - 8

 

    The seasons of the earth are a matrix that connects every living thing on our planet. These seasons reveal to us the story of true community, where each element and living being shares an intimate connection to each other and, in turn, is our connection with the world. Time and time again, evidence reveals that changing just one element of a system, even a tiny one, changes the entire system. So, this is the essence of community: That which affects one, affects all. 

    When we stray too far from the natural rhythms and cycles of our lives an imbalance occurs. Our emotions and communications become confused and chaotic. Though our imbalances, animated by internal or external forces and circumstances throw us off our center and often leave us dazed and confused, the return to balance is always, always the same; a loving and gentle self-acceptance of the seasons of life.

- from Soul of the Seasons, (c) 2015, Melody Harris