Observing The Seasons

I think that one of the most engaging activities you can do on your own, is to observe and make note of what goes on with a particular change of season.  Reflecting on your surroundings can be inspirational.  When you encounter a difficult or challenging passage in life, I think that looking outward becomes even more important than looking inward.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”                      Leo Tolstoy

Season changes are rarely the same.  Especially these days, with the impact of global warming and the resulting changes in climate everywhere.  This year in the northeast, the winter was unbearably cold and destructive.  But the spring, summer and now the fall have been glorious.

A November Rose?

A Rose in November?

On this off-season trip to Nantucket, I found roses blooming amid the fading hydrangea.  What a contrast!  Here, the autumn had already settled in.  Leaves were falling and the chill of the air made it clear that we had already moved closer to the coming winter season.  Summer was long over.

New Blooms in November

New Blooms in November

What’s really striking about this phenomenon is that it’s not a common one.  These roses usually bloom twice on Nantucket.  Once in June/July and again in September.  I don’t recall ever seeing them bloom a third time, much less in November!

Autumn Roses!

Autumn Roses!

I thought about how meaningful it is, to see new life burst out from the fading plants.  It looked like a significant symbol.  One that represents the notion that, just when you think a certain phase of your own life is coming to a finish, new growth appears and blazes through to remind us that there will be spring ahead.  That, in order to let new things come into your life, you need to allow the old order to pass gracefully.  To surrender to the change.  Not fight it.

Sometimes, you will find yourself at “A Table For One” reluctantly.  That’s OK.  Life is full of twists and turns.  Just remember to look around and absorb what your surroundings are telling you.  It can be so richly rewarding.  Let the old fade away and the new take hold!

Copyright 2015 Marion M. O’Grady

 

 

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