Seasonal Cultivating

I was born and raised in the country.

There was an annual cycle of cultivation and growing. Each season played its own role in that cycle.

The year begins in winter. Winter may appear to be a time of year when nothing really happens. It is, though, a truly important season. Winter sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Winter comes after the land has produced its crops for the year. The land, and the people who work on it, need time to rest and reflect. Winter weather makes it a challenge to do much work outdoors, so winter is a thoughtful time.

Winter is when we take time to recognize the lessons the year has for us.

Winter is when we prepare for the work that is coming in the rest of the cycle. Winter is when we sort out the demands of the other seasons.

Now I live in a place without seasons. It is much more difficult to appreciate the changes of the seasons, more challenging to take time to reflect.

People here are not familiar with the benefits of winter. They do not see the role winter plays in the cycle of the year. Many of them have never seen a real farm. Many of them do not spend enough time in reflection. They do not appreciate how we cultivate and grow what our lives produce.

This year, I am facilitating a series of seasonal retreats beginning this month. You can get more information here, or by emailing me and asking for the details.

Each retreat will highlight a seasonal aspect of the cycle of cultivating and growing.

What role does winter play in your annual cycle?

When do you take time to reflect?

[Image by Ron Frazier]