The seasons of the year are defined by the cycles of lightness and darkness created by the earth and sun's relationship. They affect the external climates as well as our internal experiences. Awareness of the cycles and adaptation to these natural shifts prevent stress and illness, and promote health and well being. (Elson M. Haas).

" I N  W I N T E R  P E O P L E
S H O U L D  R E T I R E
E A R L Y  A T  N I G H T
A N D  R I S E  L A T E
I N  T H E  M O R N I N G
A N D  T H E Y  S H O U L D
W A I T  F O R  T H E
R I S I N G  O F
T H E  S U N "
Nei Ching




" L E T  G O  O F
T H E  O L D  W O R L D
A N D  T H E  N E W  O N E
W I L L  G R O W  A R O U N D
Y O U  L I K E
A  N E W  S K I N "
Paul Williams




" W H O E V E R  W I S H E S
T O  I N V E S T I G A T E
M E D I C I N E  S H O U L D
P R O C E E D  T H U S :
I N  T H E  F I R S T  P L A C E ,
C O N S I D E R  T H E
S E A S O N S  O F  T H E  Y E A R
A N D  W H A T  E F F E C T
E A C H  O F  T H E M
P R O D U C E S "
Hippocrates

We can describe our energetic state as moving through a cycle of activity and reflectivity. To be in harmony with nature, our energetic state should be consistent with the season of the year. We are in winter. It is the coldest and darkest of the seasons. Nature is resting and quiet in preparation for spring. Energetically, it is a time for us to practice rest and replenishment from the busy year and to reflect on what we have learned from past experience.

Spring is wake-up time. We experience the feeling of "spring fever" which is our increased energy that comes with more light. It is the time for new growth in nature and in our selves, a sprouting of the seeds that have been dormant over the winter. Summer is a time of high activity. Everything is growing and maturing and we are busy all the good long days. Autumn is a time of harvesting. We feel "abundance" in our Saturday morning visits to the Farmer's Market. We are reminded of the season by the gentle coolness of the early morning air. It is a reminder to slow down and savour this time because winter is next. And so the cycle repeats.

Winter and Christmas are at odds. Christmas is a time of high activity and winter is a time of reflectivity. Christmas has its own inherent stress of shopping, cooking, and visiting along with the added stress of being in conflict with the natural harmony of the seasons. The hype of Christmas starts in the Fall when slowing down, rather than speeding up, would be more appropriate.

An eastern philosophy is not likely to have much impact of a North American tradition. What I suggest is that we take some time out from the frenzy of the holidays so that we can practice the three "R" words - Rest, Replenishment and Reflection.

And don't bother with that other "R" word - Resolution. A reason we often fail at New Year's resolutions is because they are seasonally inappropriate. Spring is the time for making a new start in life and having the renewed sense of energy to sustain the commitment. That is the time for making resolutions.

Happy Holidays.