Jan 13, 2016

In past posts, I had elaborated on Author Carol McClelland’s Seasons of Change® model for navigating change through the timeless, universal wisdom of nature. Since there’s been a break on this thread, I will offer a quick review.

The Seasons of Change® Spiral, the journey through transition begins with Fall. In this season, the purpose is to recognize and acknowledge shifts are underway. Due to the changes, life may not be the same going forward as it has been in the past. Fall is followed by Early Winter. Early Winter is a time for slowing down, moving into dormancy. The tasks of Early Winter are to retreat, to reflect and search for insights during this less active time. Winter Solstice follows and this may be a time of confusion, a sense of loss and not knowing what’s next. As we navigate Winter Solstice, this is a time to surrender into the darkness of the unknown, to accept confusion as part of the journey. Be alert to the insights, like stars which appear and illuminate that which could not be seen without darkness.

Next in the Seasons of Change® model is the season of Late Winter. How do you recognize when you are in Late Winter? There may be a desire to get into action, but there’s no clear plan yet. There’s a hunger, a curiosity, a vision for what’s possible ahead. I liken Late Winter to receiving seed catalogs in the mail. We can get excited and envision the plants and blooms, yet we really do need to create a plan before ordering seeds for our garden. The work of Late Winter is to clear out the old to make room for what’s to emerge. Late Winter is a good time to declutter on all levels. It is time to begin planning in earnest for the vision which has emerged and continues to become clearer. One of the other tenets of Late Winter which is important to point out is that with this new vision, there may be fear and hesitation for not knowing exactly how it will turn out. This too can be expected as a normal part of the process. I refer back to these words of wisdom from poet John O’Donohue which I shared in my most recent post…

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

The work in Late Winter is to continue to create a plan based on your insights, inspired thoughts and aspirations. What are the seeds you want to plant in the days and months ahead? Begin readying now.