I'm not a particularly yoga-ish sort of person - I'm rather too unco-ordinated and far too fond of eating meat - but there are a few yoga blogs I follow, and one one there's a lovely checklist for the changing seasons.
It's not about the seasons themselves - they tick over nicely without any input from us - but about our responses to them. It's a reality check I needed right now, because I am spending too much time sitting inside, on the internet, or worrying - often all three at once. So, this is an exercise in changing that:
What changes are going on outside in Nature?
These massive pompoms of brilliant white petals have erupted along the back fence. I've no idea what they are - all the plants down here are unfamiliar to my northern eyes - but they're stunning. They also last well in a vase, and a few have found their way onto my home shrine over the last fortnight or so.
The introduced bulbs keep to a very strict schedule. First to bloom were the jonquils, followed closely by their larger cousins the daffodils. Then the daffodils folded themselves neatly away and the tulips bloomed, fiercely but briefly. They were finished within a week of starting. Now large blooms in dark blue, purple, red and yellow are out. I think they're irises, but I'm not sure.
Temperature wise we're finally out of the minuses, although last night was very much an Electric Blanket Night. The local birds are incredibly active, and I'm finally seeing some native birds, not just starlings and blackbirds.
How does this season make me feel?
Joyful. There's a feeling of growth in the air, of waking up and getting on with things. But somewhat frustrated, too, because there are things I'd like to be getting on with which I can't really throw myself into for a few months yet, due to outside work commitments and my own energy levels. There are also things I'd like to do but lack the technical skills or networking nouse to make them happen. That's very disheartening, because I know the ideas are good... it's just making them happen, and getting other people on board.
I haven't had to mow the lawn in months, now it's like a jungle if I leave it a week!
Less facetiously, the social skills and networking is the thing I really have to work on. Technical stuff I can overcome - it's partially needing different software and gear, and partially practice. But the social stuff has never come easily to me, I've never been very good at promoting myself and 'putting myself out there' as it's called. And I need to learn.
What brings me joy during this season?
Sunlight. Having light and warmth back and it not always being so dark and cold. Also I'm on the home straight til Christmas now, when I'll have some time off and see my family. And after that, it's the home straight to.... whatever I decided to do. I have plenty options - too many! - but no real clue at this stage which of them I'll embrace. I want to do all of them... but I can't. I have to choose, and that's difficult.
What diet or lifestyle routines do I want to change? Am I getting the right amount of sleep? What yoga or exercise routine feels the best to me?
My dear little housemate - he came out for some sun while I was taking these photos, and wonder of wonders he actually stayed still long enough to get a photo of him that's not just a grey blur.
I do need to eat better, move more, get more sleep. I'm trying to do everything at the moment, and - as I said above - I just can't, because I'm burning myself out and haven't actually got squit to show for it. I need to learn to pick my projects, and my battles.
A big dollop of luck wouldn't hurt, either.
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