This is time of year, my creativity seems to transform. Becomes almost corporeal—that is, more hands-on, more nurturing, more intensely connected to the rhythms of nature. Instead of spending my days in the writing room tinkering with poetry or experiments in collage, I find myself outdoors tending to the garden, to the wildlife that lives there, going for long bicycle rides, and even cooking more. Making the most of seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and other quintessential flavors of summer.
There is, to my mind, something almost criminal about not taking advantage of these gorgeous summer days as we are able. A thought that struck me on my bike ride this morning: had I chosen not to set an hour aside to experience this sunny day, the warm summer breeze, my heart pounding, fresh air in my lungs, how ungrateful I would be. How terribly ungrateful I would be not to make full use of the season—and of this body—everyday as I am able and to honor the many gifts they give to me.
The same, of course, can be said for our own seasons. Indeed, I sometimes think if I had one piece of advice to offer younger women, that would be it: don’t try to rush your own cycles and seasons. Don’t think of them as inconvenient or as if they need to be manipulated. Don’t squander them, and don’t wish them away. That’s one of the most foolish things you can do. Of course, I realize that 25-year-old me would never have understood that. Would not have known what it meant to experience the cycles and seasons of my body as sacred. To be sure, 30-year-old me wouldn’t have understood that, either. But almost-40-year-old me (or, almost 39, to be precise), knows it very well. And I am certain this is an understanding I’ll continue to grow into, that will deepen and transform over time.
This is the same reason I’ve decided not to color my hair, you know. In honor of the season. I don’t have a head full of grays yet…but I’ve got more than a few. Just enough that my stylist and I periodically revisit the to color, or not to color conversation. And my response is always the same: I’ll color my hair only if I feel I absolutely must. That is, if I look in the mirror and really dislike what I see. But, until that day comes (and I hope it never does) I have every intention of wearing my grays as elegantly and with as much dignity as possible.
If the seasons of my life are sacred, it is my responsibility to treat them as such. Not to fight them and not to wish them away. After all, whether we’re talking about the seasons of the year or the seasons of our bodies, they are only sacred because they are fleeting.
The Used Life 
10 responses to “Of Sacred Seasons”
That’s really interesting that Summer inspires you that way. I find it’s the opposite for me; I get all those feelings when Autumn hits. That’s a really magical time for me. You must live in a place where Summer is nice! It can be quite unbearable where I live. And prolonged. I actually dread Summer. It makes me cranky! Autumn always feels like a curse being lifted. A transformative time.
Good on you re; the hair. I also have plenty of greys cropping up these days. I kinda like ’em. They’re sparkly. I did cave to the dye this year though after having a long break. Just got bored (as I always do).
Sorry for such a long, rambly comment… I either say nothing at all or far too much. I’ve been enjoying your collages though 🙂 That’s something I’ve never really tried. I love the surreal quality that yours have.
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Don’t be sorry. I enjoyed reading your comment, and I very much appreciate the feedback. 🙂 Summer is nice where I am. It gets pretty hot, but I like the heat, so I don’t mind the proverbial “dog days” of summer. I actually love them. And it’s great to know the seasons affect you similarly—that you, too, have a time of year that’s magical for you and brings you to life. It’s a wonderful feeling.
And I thank you for remarking on my gray hair. I don’t mind it either, actually. Those grays are shiny…a bit curly and unwieldy, though, but I suppose we must learn to manage.😬 Take care!
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Where I’m from winters are often long. So when summer arrives, you enjoy it as much as you can. Definitely bike rides and walks.
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Winters were long where I grew up, too. I definitely think long, dreary winters make us appreciate all that spring and summer have to offer.
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Again, well done, my friend. The last paragraph is such a lovely summary. And I agree, honoring every season, every stage is such a beautiful way to show gratitude for this grand opportunity to live in this world. I commend you with your decision to let the grays go. I have thought many times recently about letting it go, although I indeed have a headful of white 🙂 But I have so enjoyed my forties and can tell you full-heartedly, it is a wonderful season in life…and as I look to my fifties, I look forward to another beautiful season full of moments that take our breath away…have a wonderful day, darling.
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Thank you very much. I’m glad you feel similarly. The more conscious we become of the passing of time, I think, the easier it is to realize the sacredness of now, of accepting and making the best of whatever season we’re in. To tell the truth, I’m looking forward to my forties. My mid-to-late thirties has really, I think, been a period of settling into, or returning to, myself. And as for the grays…my gray hairs seem to have a life of their own. 😂 They’re wiry and curly and almost impossible to tame. Luckily, my hair is naturally wavy, so in lieu of blowdrying it straight, I just wear it wavy/curly most of the time now, and that mitigates a lot of problems, especially in the humidity. Anyway, if you ever decide to let your grays (or whites) go, I’m certain you’ll wear them beautifully, my friend. 😊I hope you have a great weekend!
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This is absolutely gorgeous. From understanding and embracing the beauty found in summer days, to relating nature’s seasons to our own, to the advice offered to younger women, and ending with thoughts about gray hair. 🥰 I am not a younger woman, but I learned just as much, if not more, than those who are. 💐
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Thank you so much, Michele. Your feedback means a lot. ☺️ And it delights me to know you connect with some of these ideas. I wondered, when I wrote this, if many women would.
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You are most welcome. Your poem was very relatable. 🌻
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*Essay, not poem. 😆
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