Training Programs For Professionals Who Work With Clients in Transition

Refrains of Nature

 

‎"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature— the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." ~ Rachel Carson

  

Thin Ice

Winter has finally extended its icy fingers over the land. Lakes and streams now have a thin coat of ice but underneath the water is still flowing.  It often feels like this when we begin  our winter of turning inward.  On the surface we have slowed down but there is still so much churning within.  It takes time for that stillness to deepen.  Eventually, we can rely on the strength of our inner journey and  let the currents flow on without disturbing us.

False Signs of Spring

It's January and my daffodils are coming up! They  are very confused by this mild winter in the Philadelphia area.

This reminds me of times I've gone into hibernating mode to recover from illness, overload, or sudden changes in my life.  At the first indication of  recuperation, I joyfully burst into activity and quickly discover my cure was only skin deep. It takes time to build up a reserve and truly heal from the inside out. Patience is the key for these winter months. It's time to conserve your energy and avoid sudden decisions or growth spurts. Don't be fooled by false signs of spring.

 

Lesson from the Milk Pod

 

On my walk I noticed  a milk pod. It reminded me the winds of change not only blow away the old, they also free the seeds of the new

 

Autumn Leaves

"Climb the mountains and get their good tiding. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop like autumn leaves." John Muir

I just returned from Acadia National Park in Maine, hiking the trails along the rocky coast with the waves crashing below me.  On a mountain top while overlooking a vast panorama of brilliant red, yellow and orange fall foliage, I received a call on my cell - a dear friend had died.

Though shocked and deeply saddened, this was the perfect place to receive the news. My view was broadened to see the whole collective picture and not the individual contribution. Before me, I was  witnessing the glory of passing onto the next season of the journey. The wind blew through me and eased my sorrow. Nature is always there to teach me. I just need look and listen.

The Lesson of Fall

Autumn is nature’s most glorious sunset. Light gradually gives way to darkness. The land abounds with brilliant colors. Flocks of migrating geese point the way home. The bounty of the earth is harvested and the fields are left to rest. All of nature is preparing for a long sleep. It is a great time to venture out into the woods to witness the smell, the sights, the sounds, and the sensations of this dramatic season. Autumn calls upon us to be a part of the change and encourages us to follow suit in our own life. Every year, autumn brings to the foreground this important life lesson:

 Change is not only good, it is absolutely brilliant! At other times of the year change is often slow, gradual and imperceptible. But in autumn the bright reds and oranges and yellows, shout out the glory of their transformation. They yell, “Do it now! Go for it!” Too often we fear or ignore impending change. Autumn is warning us that change is inevitable, and we must prepare for what is ahead. The birds are migrating to warmer territories; the squirrels are gathering food to carry them through the cold winter months. It’s time for me to take stock of where our life is now, look at what lies before us, and gather the necessary skills, supports and supplies that we will need for the journey.