Are You In A Growing Season?

There are times in our lives when it is necessary to get off the path, take a retreat, and spend a period in reflection about where to go next in our lives. When I last engaged in this process, it took me to the one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in America: Sedona, Arizona. While there, I spent five days alone in contemplation about my life, its purpose, and the work which might best give it meaning and fulfillment. 

 

During this time, I spent as much time as possible in the gorgeous natural surrounding that is Sedona. Sedona is located in Arizona’s high desert under the southwestern rim of the vast Colorado Plateau. It is most famous for its massize red-rock formations, as well as the Oak Creek Canyon that winds through the area for miles and miles. Sedona also boasts hundreds of hiking trails which take you on wonderful journeys along sun-lit monoliths with hues of reds and oranges you’ve never before seen and will not soon forget. 

 

As I traveled these winding, desert paths, I saw natural sights that reminded me of life’s possibilities. I saw beautiful, colorful flowers growing from what looked only like arrid dirt to me. I saw other flowers thriving out of piles of stones, without the appearance of either soil or water. I saw a tree growing out from two rocks and stretching up to the sun. I saw another tree nearly entirely bent over from the force of the wind, yet alive and well nonetheless. Despite the harsh elements of the high desert, each of these plants and trees was, miraculously enough, growing rather than dying. They were in a growing season.

 

Each of these observations reminded me not only of what nature could do, but of what humanity could endure and accomplish under the most unusual and trying circumstances. 

 

As a country, we are certainly experiencing a most unusual circumstance. For many, it is also an enormously trying circumstance. Despite being a both unusual and trying season, it must also be a growing season for us all. A season where we commit to using whatever soil we find ourselves in and fighting whatever wind prevails and doing what is best for ourselves and those who count on us.

 

 Anaïs Nin said: ” And the day came when the risk to remain tight in bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Of course you must determine how much risk is appropriate for you and your family, but remaining tight in the bud forever is equivalent to not growing and that is no option at all for a living being. It is equal to electing the option of dying. 

 

March 20th is the first day of spring this year. The daffodils in my front yard know the season, as the plants are already out of the ground and the blossoms are soon to follow. The trees know it too, for they have sprouted their buds and are tightly protecting them until warmer weather enables their blossoming. My hope for each of you is that you’re also stirring inside and looking within and without for ways to grow.  

 

Suggested Action Items

1. Spend some time reflecting on whether you currently are in a time of growth. Are you  simply busy or are you actually growing in the ways you’d like to be? Understand the difference between activity and personal or professional growth.

 

2. If you’ve identified that you’re “tight in a bud,” reflect on whether you are ready to blossom. What would that flower look like? What would you be doing? How would that feel? What would it be worth to achieve that goal?

 

n.b. Photographs on this post are original and may not be used without my express permission.