As we move through our lives, we often become aware of the cyclical nature of existence. Both in our individual lives and that of our communities and the planet as a whole. Much as the seasons we witness in the natural world, we too, have our cycles of growth, expansion, death, and rebirth. Within this concept, notice that each plant, animal, mountain, body of water, even the sky above, has its own cycle, within the greater cycles. These cycles exist on the most microscopic of levels, up to and beyond what we know of the macrocosm, much like a constantly expanding and contracting fractal.
Anyone who has been seeking for any significant period of time, whether seeking healing, meaning, or inner truth, will have realized that the path is not linear, not always “forward” and often contains moments of resistance. We tend to circle back around to similar themes and challenges, exploring and expanding our depths. As we accept this and release resistance to the phase we are in, and in fact, cultivate a sense of gratitude for this quality of existence; we can flow more smoothly within these natural cycles and attune to our present needs more adeptly.
As related to the process of healing from chronic dis-ease, (physical, mental, emotional) cultivating balance in how we treat ourselves can assist in keeping things safe, effective, and aligned. There is wisdom and blessings we garner from mindfully immersing ourselves in our present experience. Even the challenging times, in fact, especially the challenging times, gift us with a depth of self-knowledge and understanding, offer the possibility of healing and unwinding, and assist us to discover new sources of empowerment.
So what does this mean then, allowing for the Ebbs and Flows in your healing process? It starts with the understanding that there are quite distinctive phases such as: Letting Go, ReBalancing, Nourishing, Moving, etc. There are many words and useful metaphors to call upon when attempting to describe the phases we move through–the key is finding what resonates with you.
Letting Go can contain such things as detoxification, addressing pathogens, grief processes, forgiveness practices, etc. Letting Go can be active or passive, often a blend of both, a dance between conscious movement and choice, and surrender. In looking to the natural world, Letting Go is represented by the Autumn Season: the last of the harvest, when the trees drop their leaves.
We can look to nature to better understand our own cycles and seasons. The macro and microcosmic cycles that we exist within, also exist within us.
We can look to nature to better understand our own cycles and seasons. The macro and microcosmic cycles that we exist within, also exist within us.
Then we move into a Stillpoint, that place between the exhale and the inhale. Our Winter, emptied of all that was ready to go, luxuriating in the shadows. Allowing ourselves deep rest, deep reset before beginning again. This is when we take a pause from action, and allow ourselves to just be. We nourish ourselves and approach our process with softness. The seeds are representative of this next chapter of You, being held lovingly within.
Eventually, we begin to unfurl, rebirth, and rebuild. We blossom much like the natural world in Spring. Here we begin to move again, allowing creative powers within us to express, focusing on that which we wish to manifest. We sit with and clarify our intentions, trusting that as we ask, we shall receive in time. We gather the tools, support, and strength for whatever is to come. The Spring is associated with Yin, the feminine principle, the primordial essence that serves as building blocks of creation. Thus, during these times it is generally advisable to pay attention to building and nourishing the blood, with grounding foods, minerals, water, and practices to cultivate Qi. It is also often an appropriate time to give extra attention to the drainage pathways, opening up the channels within so that so we can prepare to receive, and let go with ease.
With our intention set, we move into aligned action, into the heights of our inner Summer, fields covered in the flowers bloomed from the seeds planted in Winter and nourished in the Spring. We sit in Gratitude for that which as manifested, we see ourselves reflected in our reality. The Summer is associated with Yang, the masculine principle: the builder of form, aligned action & movement. In these times attention to balance is so important, to not overdo as to burnout, nor hide away from our light. We receive the fruits of our labors, we continue to nourish ourselves so that we may hold our strength. It is the pause before the exhale, the top of the mountain, and the full expression of the Present Self. In taking this moment, we are able to really see, that which has shifted masterfully, and then, that which is the next layers….to begin to release, back into Letting Go.
To align with the cycles is less about making it happen, and more about allowing it to be. We move through them without conscious effort, whether we choose to or not. Thus, if we can be present with ourselves, we can fully receive the gifts of each of these necessary phases. Ideally, we do not remain stuck in one phase beyond its time, and yet it is ok if sometimes we tend to linger, or if we lose track perhaps of where we are. In those times, remember you can always come back to the center – be still, check-in, realign, and start again.
As well, consider that we can be flowing through these phases over the course of a year, in a month, a week, and even a day, hour, or single breath. You will always be the greatest authority on where you are, and what you need. Surrendering to these cycles is surrendering into a state of trust. Trusting that you are ultimately supported and that where you are in your process is perfect, all the while understanding that nothing is forever. Everything in nature is in a constant state of movement, recycling, rebuilding, as are You. Becoming your own best doctor, teacher, healer, is often simply a matter of allowing yourself to be where you are, and trusting what you feel called to, through all of your Ebbs and Flows.
In closing, I thought I would share one of my favorite poems written by the Sufi mystic Rumi, for it expresses this concept most beautifully:
Birdwings
Your grief for what you’ve lost lifts a mirror
Up to where you’re bravely working.
Expecting the worst, you look, and instead,
Here’s the joyful face you have been wanting to see.
Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes.
If it were always a fish or always stretched open,
You would be paralyzed.
Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding,
The two as beautifully balanced and coordinated
As birdwings.