• Day=Yang- Natures time for high activity, movement, growth, sunlight, outward reaching.
• Night=Yin- Natures time for inward retreat, rest and repair, darkness, coolness.

Winter -a time to cool the land, retain moisture, retreat hibernate. Observe and let the systems we put in place work.

Spring- a time for new growth and life, babies are born, bears are waking up.

Summer– a time when things are busy and productive. Filling the wood shed and process foods for the winter.

Fall– a time to ensure things are in place and start to get us through the winter.

Following these systems leads to less resistance in our life but often times we forget we are still part of nature and it’s not always obvious how modern lifestyle connects to these systems nature has designed.

I have been seeing many patients who are now or have recently entered retirement. Most of these folks are well prepared financially but were surprised by the emotions that come with this milestone. There is often some depression and anxiety with this new phase and a need to rediscover themselves without a workplace identity. I’d like to share some ideas people have shared with me and I have come to realize to be true.

If life is seasonal, we naturally assume Springtime is our childhood and adolescents and even into the beginning of our careers. We are learning skills. Probably into our 30s for many of us. (Keeping in mind we can all go through mini seasons at any time of life) This is the time to explore and learn.

Summer being a time to earn money and secure our futures. Also, not just money we are gathering but we are gathering wisdom. Wisdom and experiences are also commodities you will need to accumulate. 30-50s Build business’ start families, network. As a healthcare Practitioner, I would like to emphasize working on our fitness at this point as much as we are working towards financial security, we should also focus on health security. Diet, exercise and stress management at our busiest time of life will pay off in our later years.

Autumn and Fall would be time to pay attention and wind down, we can usually become more selective about work and the jobs we are involved in during this time. We can optimize our financial plans, our homes and start to think about a more relaxed version of life. We have gained some wisdom and now can perhaps think about teaching what we have learned to the youth. 50-70

Winter naturally becomes a time when we think of the things we have contributed and the impact to those around us. This time of reflection can bring peace and an opportunity to reflect on the relationships in our lives, mend them or come to terms with what is. This is also the season in which to find joy in the youth around us. Teach them if we can and also let their joy teach us. Looking at our mortality and if there are things we want to do, now is the time. I recently treated a 92 woman and in talking to her the most important thing I gleamed from our interaction and the thing I cherish most about working with my elders is their candidness. I think in our winter season we have lived long enough to go ahead and say what needs saying without all the pretense. This time can be freeing if we let it.

Relationships are probably the most important thing we have in our life. This includes a relationship with ourselves.