The Change of Seasons

 

Seasons of life and seasons of the year have a way of sneaking up on us, which is funny because we know that are always coming. Whichever way you look at it, seasons usually have something to do with change. Sometimes this change is expected, anticipated, even longed for. Sometimes change can be thrust upon us when we least expect it or want it. We all know that change is an inevitable part of life; simply watching the passing of the seasons each year reminds us of that, no matter how much we may wish to slow time. Spring has arrived where I am, and by following friends in the northern hemisphere, I can see that signs of autumn are reaching there also. Watching the seasons change is a wonderful, natural thing. It is a time to remind us that one season is ending and a new one is coming. We shan't see the likes of winter for a while now. Although we may get the occasional frosty morning or low lying fog, the depths of winter have passed. The days are longer. Buds and new leaves are appearing on the trees; our little world is coming back to life after a rather long dormant period. Lately, I've been reading back through Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and saw so much to do with change and the seasons that I thought I would share some quotes and inspiration with you here today. 

"A phase of my life was closing to-night, a new one opening to-morrow: impossible to slumber in the interval; I must watch feverishly while the change was being accomplished."

As the new season is upon us, it's a beautiful time to reflect on our lives. The change of seasons can magnify different things in our lives - change itself being an important one. Often times, a life change can coincidence with a change of season. Have you noticed that? We know that there are many seasons in our lives, sometimes these sneak up on us and other times we crave for the change ourselves. Life can be busier when seasons change so it is important to take note of it. Unlike Jane, we do not need to "watch feverishly while the change was being accomplished," but reminding ourselves to pause and take notice is one way to deal with change that can bring meaning and acceptance of change into our lives. When we feel like we have no control over the changes we can become anxious or panic. Living mindfully through the change, being aware of it, making sound decisions and reflecting on what has passed helps lessen the anxiety. 

"I tired of the routine of eight years in one afternoon. I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing. I abandoned it and framed a humbler supplication; for change, stimulus." 

Sometimes the decision to change comes instantly - we know what we need and we make the choice instantaneously. Other times, we can wallow, and waffle back and forth before a choice is made. Sometimes we need time, and deep thought, and reflection. Sometimes we need all those things but we don't use them and make a change that isn't, after all, what we wanted or needed. Often times, the move into a new season is a slow process, not an overnight one. Just as nature slowly heralds the arrival of a new season, so do the seasons of our lives move slowly, but always with little hints as to the direction we are heading - if we take the time to pay attention. 

And yet where was the Jane Eyre of yesterday?—where was her life?—where were her prospects?

It's important to think about the future, and the changes we want to make, but today is important too. If we don't reflect on who we are, and where we are today, how can we possibly know where we want to go in the future? Likewise, by recognising where we have come from, and reflecting on the choices made in our past (not regretting or wallowing, but reflecting), then once again we are in a better position to make a conscious choice that will lead to a fruitful outcome. 

I considered; my life was so wretched, it must be changed, or I must die. After a season of darkness and struggling, light broke and relief fell.

When we watch the seasons change, when we welcome these seasonal changes into our homes and our lives, we become acutely aware how fleeting they really are. The tulips are just beginning to bloom in my garden, and I know that there presence here will be short-lived. In winter, the hellebores flower for such a short time, then they too are without flowers for another nine or ten months. We all live through seasons of darkness and struggling; perhaps you are living through one now. We went through quite a dark period a couple of years ago, but I knew that it was temporary. I knew that it would pass, and often that mantra this too shall pass, was what got me through those hard days. Then light broke and relief fell. It wasn't instantaneous but rather a slow, gradual process. I clung to those moments of life but I could not make the dark times end any quicker. As much as we tire for winter, we cannot hurry the spring. We must watch and wait and be patient. 

I thought that a fairer era of life was beginning for me, one that was to have its flowers and pleasures, as well as its thorns and toils. My faculties, roused by the change of scene, the new field offered to hope, seemed all astir. I cannot precisely define what they expected, but it was something pleasant: not perhaps that day or that month, but at an indefinite future period.

Whichever season of life you are living through right now, I hope you can see that a fairer era of life does lie in your future. It may take a while, but by taking comfort in the fact that so many have lived through trials and tribulations before us, we too can see the temporary nature of our situation. Embrace the change in the season, wherever you are. Be frivolous and whimsical with nature. Enjoy the natural world and thank it for moving forward, and taking you with it. 

Thank you for stopping by, and please leave a comment below if Jane Eyre - or any other classic - helps you through these changing seasons.