The Turn Of A Season
Hundreds of thousands of people around the world marched last Sunday, September 21st to draw attention to the importance of addressing climate change. At 10:29 PM Monday summer ended and fall began. Today, Thursday is the New Moon a good time to set intentions.
Like clockwork temperatures have dropped not much higher than the mid 70’s. Nights bring cool breezes. In NYC today heavy rain is expected. The UN is in session and for the first time there has been a resolution regarding terrorism. I’m reminded of Pete Seeger’s song Turn, Turn, Turn referencing a time for everything. lyrics
Personally, Uncle Larry my only remaining uncle, my father’s brother, passed away last week at the age of 95. A veteran of WWII Uncle Larry was in intelligence. He had a full military funeral. My brother and his son are the only ones that carry on the family name in the traditional fashion that is. What is the Bova legacy? I am aware of the end of an era; the mantle of patriarch passes to my brother now as the senior Bova male in our clan. Mom at 96 is the matriarch of her clan, the Ribellino's. She doesn’t like this role. Mom hates being the oldest at gatherings.
Transitions and new beginnings! In my uncle’s death I get to know his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sadness lingers as I recognize the impermanence of everything around me. Change occurs. There is a natural ebb and flow, like the tides, seasons come and go, trees drop their leaves, fields whither and die. Change is everywhere whether we realize it or not. This is the thought I want to focus on today.
How important is it to recognize change? To honor transitions? Are some transitions more significant than others? My only niece gets married in two weeks. I remember receiving the call at 4AM the morning she was born announcing her birth. Soon she will be married. Likely raising a family of her own soon enough.
I’ve spent the last 18 months in transition. I’ve studied with indigenous teachers and have heightened my awareness of the natural world; ebbs and flows, patterns, timing. I watch clouds travel across the sky to change form before my very eyes. I wonder. I’m fascinated, amazed.
What does all this have to do with work, the hours we spend doing our jobs, running our businesses? Sounds corny but I think “slowing down to smell the roses” is essential to our overall well-being and effectiveness. Take a breath and notice what nature has to teach. Some of the most important scientific breakthroughs have come when people are out in nature. Wasn’t it Einstein who had a major aha while sailing?
I invite you to take 3-5 minutes during each workday, while at work to be exact, to look out the window, go outside, focus on a live plant, a fish tank. Gaze! Wonder! Over time reflect on your own behavior, have your thoughts changed? Consider making a daily notation After three weeks to a month are you more calm? Relaxed? Creative? Engaged? Has your energy increased? Have you noticed changes in your relationships with others? Let us know.