November has proven itself to be my busiest,
and most favorite, months in Prescott yet. While transitioning into the colder
nights and slippery mornings (there’s sneaky frost on the ground!), classes are
getting into the niddy griddy of their focus, and folks are gearing up for the
holidays, I have very much enjoyed observing the seasonal changes while fully
being a part of them. I have experienced feelings in the past of sadness and
isolation as the transition happened from fall (my favorite season), to winter…
and this year has proven itself to be more fruitful than I could have imagined.
I visited my home place, the Mid Atlantic, for
a few days in mid-November, and the reconnection between my family and friends
and myself, truly made me realize that you get back what you put out into the
world. So, I have focused on giving
myself to my studies, the community, and carrying out intentions that I had set
when I came here.
I have remembered to read books for pleasure
and to take pictures. If people asked for help, I was always willing to do what
I could. I began to give constructive feedback to those who are close to me, as
well as coworkers, to improve our relationship (I think it’s working). I have been working on letting go of
relationships that have not been a positive addition to my life, and
remembering to foster the relationship I have with myself.
I thought about all of this the other night
while I was talking to a friend about the elements within Chinese medicine.
There is an element that is associated with each season, and winter is no
different. Water, the element that corresponds to winter, points us to
that dark, quiet pool within ourselves where our essential self-identity
resides. We can use the energy of this season to more deeply discover the
essence of our self.
So, as the
semester finishes up and the days get colder, I have changed my position to
gain a different perspective of winter. I welcome the space to appreciate the
solace that’s associated with self reflection.
Plus, I always
enjoy the season that’s full of desserts and naps.
Happy Turkey
Day!
Amanda
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