–from the book:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”
– Ecclesiasties 3: 1 – 8

“The seasons of the earth are a matrix that connects every living thing on our planet. These seasons reveal to us the story of true community, where each element and living being shares an intimate connection to each other and, in turn, is our connection with the world. Time and time again, evidence reveals that changing just one element of a system, even a tiny one, changes the entire system. So, this is the essence of community: That which affects one, affects all.

“When we stray too far from the natural rhythms and cycles of our lives an imbalance occurs. Our emotions and communications become confused and chaotic. Though our imbalances, animated by internal or external forces and circumstances, throw us off our center and often leave us dazed and confused, the return to balance is always, always the same; a loving and gentle self-acceptance of the seasons of life.”
– from Soul of the Seasons, (c) Melody A Scout

Soul of the Seasons was written as a guide for those seeking a deeper connection to a more meaningful life. Through the wisdom of the natural world, and, based on the tradition of Five Element theory, one can learn to build more resilience and mastery, even in the most difficult passages of life.

Five Element theory, with its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, teaches that the fundamental elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water correspond to the five seasons of Spring, Summer, Harvest, Fall, and Winter. These five passages resonate in our bodies through the core emotions of Anger, Joy, Sympathy, Grief, and Fear.  The five seasons are not defined as specific periods of time demarcated on the calendar but more as passages of life that reflect certain qualities of growth and movement.

Spring is associated with explosive new growth.  Summer is the time when our visions come into fruition.  Summer calls forth the abundance of the Harvest, the season which embodies the rewards of all our hard work. Harvest, in turn, leads to the season of Fall, the season of letting go. Fall then ushers in the silent cold of Winter, a season of rest and reflection.

Each season builds on and is informed by the others, comprising an elegant system of continuous movement and transformation that contributes to a state of balance and harmony.  By identifying what true balance looks like within each season, along with a clear picture of each season’s imbalances, we can learn to identify our strengths, while making subtle yet powerful corrections.

This pattern of gentle awareness and correction serves to build resilience and stamina when we need it the most. In turn, we can strengthen and deepen our personal relationships as well as our relationship with Mother Earth, moving through the seasons of life with more grace, resilience, and authenticity.