Seasons of the Soul
Having been raised in Wisconsin, I became attached to the change of the seasons. I enjoyed knowing that the weather in each season brought with it expectations of new and fun activities and adventures. As the bleak and monotonous winter gives way to spring, the new birth is all around us. The trees begin to bud, and the early perennials, such as crocuses and daffodils, show off their welcome blooms.
The grass begins to green up after months of being buried by snow. Spring brings with it new reminders to begin again. There is a feeling of hope and hints of inspiration inviting us to move forward on our plans and to define our dreams. What feels impossible under the weight of winter and its hardships becomes possible once again.
Summer brings its energy and vibrancy. The earth explodes with the beauty and color of flowers and plants. We’re able to get outside and reconnect with our friends. Camping was always one of my favorite summer activities. Our family would find places where we could all gather together and celebrate the summer weather. I loved pitching our tents and making them feel like a rustic imitation of home. Our campsites were the envy of other campers. We had a kitchen, a dining room, and a family room around the campfire. All the comforts of home with none of the stress. Swimming, bicycling, hiking, and singing around the fire brought us closer together.
I always enjoyed the cool crispness of autumn. The colors hinted at one final celebration before the leaves fell and made way for the dormancy of the coming winter. Autumn had a sadness about it and a finality. Back to school, or back to work, with no more vacation. I feel most at home when autumn comes around with its vibrant colors and pumpkins, and the beginning of the holidays.
I’ve lived in places where Autumn preceded a winter that was very unlike the winters in Wisconsin. The autumn rains would last from October to April, and make way for 6 months of sunshine. I remember shedding tears because I missed the snow and the crisp weather of the Midwest. Somehow, it always made me feel reflective and gave me time to look inside myself and to be silent. I found the snow to be restorative and to make way for the beginning of another year.
Over the years, I have learned there are seasons in nature, and there are seasons in the soul.
Spring is when we remember how to hope again. Spring reminds us that no matter how long the winter has been, growth is always possible.
Summer is a time of joy. It flows freely, and everything feels joyful. Summer is a time to feel fully alive and to connect. We celebrate. Our soul seems to shine brightly in these moments. We display an abundance of love, laughter, and purpose.
Sadly, no season lasts forever. Autumn whispers that it’s time to let go. Autumn teaches us that letting go is not a loss. It’s making space for what’s next.
Winter is the soul’s rest stop. This is a time when the outer world may not see progress, but deep work is happening beneath the surface. It’s a time for listening inward.
I often find that my soul’s season is not in sync with nature’s season. I have been in a “soul winter” when others are enjoying a “soul summer,” and that’s okay. I’ve learned to trust that even the hardest seasons serve a purpose.
Each season brings with it its wisdom. We don’t get to stay in the one that feels easiest. Whatever season my soul is in right now, it’s okay to be there. I have to remind myself that every season ends in time. I’ve lived through a myriad of seasons in my life. The hardest seasons have been those when I am away from family.
My soul has had to weather every season. I’ve learned from the loneliness, the sadness, the relationships that had to be released, and my most special relationship that had to end out of my control. I’ve had to learn to trust the rhythm of the seasons of the soul and to grow with it.
My attitude is what can make the most of each season. It’s time.
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