Acceptance and Rest in the transitions of seasons
No matter what stage you are in life, the change of seasons prompts us to adjust. Whether that means storing away your winter clothes and bringing out your long-awaited summer getup, the adjustment to the new season has the ability to impact people in different ways. For some people the adjustment can be exciting as it may be a time of travel and adventure, however for others the adjustment can feel draining and unprompted. As we enter into the summer and begin the process of adjustment and acceptance of this new normal, I invite you to take a moment to just notice this change. The art of noticing is often overlooked so it is a great tool to aid and support the mind and body to ground into the present moment and fully embrace this transition.
This summer time, we invite you to find rest and recovery in a few moments of your day. As children, many of us grew up with the mentality that summer was the time for vacation and rest (thank you U.S. education system). However as adults, this idea of extended rest after a long working year, has become lost. This is because, in a capitalist society, there is a pervasive emphasis on productivity, constant growth, and a relentless hustle. The gradual adoption of this worldview has skewed our perception of change, transition, and rest. The idea of slowing down is frequently seen as unproductive or even lazy, leading many to resist the natural need for rest and recovery.
However, it is crucial to recognize that rest is not a sign of weakness or inefficiency but a fundamental part of human well-being. Accepting rest means acknowledging our limits and understanding that downtime is essential for sustained productivity and creativity. Just as the seasons transition naturally, so should our rhythms of activity and rest. Fighting against the need for rest can lead to burnout, decreased mental health, and diminished overall quality of life.
Instead of viewing rest as an obstacle to success, we invite you to embrace it as a vital component of our lives, in the same way that the seasons are a vital part of nature. By accepting and prioritizing rest, we honor our natural rhythms and create a more balanced, fulfilling approach to work and life.
