Hurricane Season - another way to look at it
It is the end of August and the beginning of September. Here in Houston, this marks the height of hurricane season. Over the past few weeks we have had the anniversaries of Harvey, Ida and Katrina. This time also marks the ending of summer and the beginning of autumn, the transition from the season of fire to the season of water. It’s such an interesting image, fire meeting water… Sure sounds like a hurricane to me! :)
When this image first became clear to me, it was so empowering. This season could really teach us to work with this kind of powerful and transformative energy. We don’t need to fear it or be a victim of it, but instead we can learn to understand it.
Fire and water together create a transformative and cleansing energy. It’s very powerful and able to clear out whatever is not secure or in alignment. Hurricanes provide countless horrifically clear images and examples of this. Whatever gets in the way of rushing waters or powerful winds — especially those things that are not properly secured — gets swept away.
If we think of this as the energy of this time of the year, it becomes an amazing time for you to work with it to create positive change in your life! First, consider this: are there things in your life, your work or your community that need a major overhaul? Is there something that just needs cleaning up? Allow the energy of the seasonal transition from fire to water to support you in letting go of what isn’t serving you — the things, people or experiences that aren’t aligned with your highest vision of your life. This summer in particular, it feels a little easier to do this. It’s been so hot and there has been so much disruption that it should be pretty clear to you what’s working and what isn’t. Ask yourself, is it dead? Or is it taking ALL your energy to keep it alive? If so, it’s time to let it go and realign.
Another aspect to consider is what needs to be secured or protected. Are there things in your life that you value, treasure or appreciate, but aren’t solidified or secured in your life? Are there things that are at risk of being carried away in the hurricane? It’s time to do what needs to be done to fully and solidly keep those things in place.
Perhaps, however, you’re starting something new and it needs to be nurtured or tended to. Put the necessary boundaries in place to make sure your new things get the nurturing required to grow and thrive even during times of stress and upheaval.
The third aspect to consider is what needs to be harvested. These are things that are in full bloom right now. It’s time to celebrate that success because they won’t survive the change in seasons or the turbulent environment ahead. The time is NOW to celebrate the harvest and then let go!
It can be easy to look at the natural world and see this occurring, but you can also look at your own environment and see this occurring in the community you live in or the company you work for.
Many of my clients are seeing this wave of change moving through the organizations they work for. It’s unnerving and very disturbing to many of them, and I have no doubt there are many of us who feel the impact of change as something devastating and destructive. However, when you can take a moment to observe the energy of the season, the flow from fire to water, and see the change coming, you can use it to bring your world into alignment. Let go of what you don’t need and dispose of it properly and responsibly. Secure what is near and dear to you. Take time to harvest and feast on your current successes. Most importantly, breathe and rest now…There is much more to come!
From a work perspective, what does this mean? Most likely, the change that’s occurring is bigger than you. You see it, you feel it and maybe you are unnerved or even totally freaked out about this level of change. You’re right that it's uncomfortable. But you are not a victim. You have agency and power. Remember that this is the energy of the season, of fire and water meeting to clear the way for something new. A new season. A new path. A new way. Your job is to stay centered, focused and aware. How will you bring your world into alignment? And how will you let go of what’s not working or what you’re hanging on to that doesn’t serve you?
Here are a few reflective questions that help you figure that out.
What do you value and love about your work? How often do you get to do that in your current role? What would enable to you do more of these activities?
When do you feel the most authentic and impactful in your work? What percentage of your work week does this account for? How can you amplify these impactful experiences?
When do you receive the most positive feedback at work that makes you feel AMAZING? Remember this feeling often!
What activities or interactions cause you to be in your head?or What takes up more of your thoughts and energy, and increases self doubt? How can you resolve these or eliminate them altogether?
What new roles, activities or responsibilities are you REALLY excited about? How can you engage further in these activities?
If there are other areas of your life you see change moving through you are welcome to replace work with that area - for example relationships, hobbies, home life, ect.
Hopefully the answers to these questions provide you with some guidance and insight on where your focus and intentions need to be as the world around your changes and transforms. The clearer you are, the easier it is for the world to organize around you in a life-enhancing fashion. But always remember to be patient.Change may take some time and be uncomfortable in the process. Stay connected, clear and focused on your energy and what’s life-enhancing for you and all those around you!