Nature's response to the changing seasons offers us wisdom
about how we can make changes in our own lives. These
strategies, which have evolved over the eons, can guide us
to the most effective way to produce the results we are
looking for.
Although our society advocates pushing forward to get
results, nature has a different way—-a way of working
with each season rather than against it.
-- In Fall the goal is to acknowledge that it's time to let
go of the old to prepare for the new.
-- In Winter our focus is to retreat and reflect on what we
want in the coming year.
-- In Spring we take action to make our vision reality.
-- In Summer we celebrate our successes.
You can use the wisdom of the seasons when the calendar
indicates a particular season OR when your personal journey
takes you through a Season. Let me explain...any time you
make a change in your own life, your journey takes you
through several phases that mirror the seasons.
For instance, if you are in the midst of a career change
(or any other big transition), it's likely you are in
Winter. As you wrestle with your options you may feel
confused, lost, and tired. You may feel awkward and
uncomfortable in highly social events. When you don't know
who you are or where you are going, socializing questions
like "What do you do?" "What kind of job are you looking
for?" set you on edge. If given the option, you'd much
rather take time for yourself right now.
As we officially enter winter this week, use these
strategies from nature to ease your own journey toward
spring and your new beginnings.
Hibernating -
One of the ways animals weather the storms of winter is to
burrow in. They slow their bodily functions and their
activity to conserve energy and wait out the cold, wintery
months.
If you are feeling buffeted from the storms of change
around you, take some time for yourself. Set aside some
quiet time during this holiday season to take care of
yourself. Although those around you may be encouraging you
to participate in holiday festivities, you may not be in a
particularly festive mood. Honor where you are in your
journey. Respect your personal desire to be alone or with
close friends this holiday. This phase won't last forever.
When you are clear about your future, you'll be ready to
rejoin the world.
Camouflaging -
When animals must be out and about during winter, their
coats often change to help them blend into their
surroundings.
If you do need to attend social gatherings, you might feel
safer using some camouflage techniques. Rather than drawing
attention to yourself and the fact that you aren't sure
where you are headed with your career, find ways to
participate in the gathering that shield you from questions
and attention. Offer to help out in the kitchen or to take
care of the fire. Associate with the people you feel
comfortable with, those who understand where you are right
now. Do your best to avoid people who make you feel
vulnerable or uneasy.
Staying Safe -
Animals that have migrated during the Fall months are now
safe in a milder environment, which allows them to avoid
the deepest, darkest storms of winter.
If you can, you may want to consider "migrating" for the
holidays! Plan a getaway so that you are far away from the
situations that feel unsafe at the moment. Even a day
outing can do the trick. Although people may react to a
change in tradition, you can choose to explain why you are
going away or just let people know your plans. In either
case, plan to go somewhere that feels safe and comfortable
to you.
Indigenous people around the world, who are in touch with
the natural cycle of the seasons, take time to pause,
reflect, and celebrate during the darkest time of the year.
The focus of their ceremonies is often the return of the
light as the Solstice passes.
As you take time for yourself during the next few weeks,
consider reflecting on what's absolutely true for you.
-- What are you passionate about?
-- How do you want to spend your time?
-- What impact would you like to have on those around you
and on the planet?
-- What work environment is best for you?
Don't worry about HOW you are going to achieve these goals.
Instead focus on thinking expansively about you, your
passions, and your impact. When you know where you are
going, doors and paths have a way of opening up in ways you
can't anticipate at this moment.
Resist the urge to leap into action right away. Allow your
ideas and visions to incubate, grow and evolve. It's likely
you'll notice that your list of ideas weaves together to
create an even larger vision.
----------------------------------------------------
Green Career Expert, Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author
of Your Dream Career For Dummies and founder of
GreenCareerCentral.com. She provides people with an array
of resources, information, and support to help them
identify their dream green career, find a green job, and
advance their green career. Visit
http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com/guide.html to request a
free excerpt of her Green Job Search Guide.
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