What Goes Around, Comes Around

In the quiet moments of reflection, I’m often struck by the cyclical patterns of life. It’s a reminder that the natural world holds profound lessons for us. Observing the seasons—birth, growth, slowing down, and death—reveals the thoughtful preparations nature undertakes with each transition.

I’ve always been intrigued by the shedding of leaves in autumn. It’s fascinating how trees protect their hydration through this process. Leaves are primary channels through which trees lose water, and shedding them is essential for surviving the dormant, restful winter. In this, trees teach us a lesson about letting go of the non-essential to focus on what truly matters.

This lesson prompts me to question: What should I hold onto? I often find that the list of truly essential items is much shorter than I initially believe. Holding onto too many things only serves to divide my attention and efforts. Winter, in its wisdom, asks the tree—and by extension, us—to discern between what is necessary and what is superfluous.

I recently experienced a moment of clarity while reading the Christian Bible, specifically the letter of James:

“Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”

-James 5:12

This passage resonated deeply with me, highlighting my tendency to overcommit with my time and energy. Saying ‘yes’ too often can be a disguised form of ‘no’, one that isn’t acknowledged upfront.

Just as the tree sheds its leaves to preserve its essence, perhaps it’s time for us to consider what we need to let go of to maintain our inner peace and true commitments. Nature, in its infinite wisdom, continues to be our greatest teacher in the art of living.

Questions to Ponder

• What are the ‘leaves’ in my life that I need to shed? Consider the aspects of your life—habits, commitments, or possessions—that may not be essential to your well-being and growth. What can you let go of to better focus on what truly matters?
• How do my ‘yeses’ and ‘nos’ align with my true priorities and values? Reflect on how often you say yes to things that don’t align with your core values or goals. Are there areas where a firm ‘no’ could bring more clarity and purpose to your life?
• In what ways can I emulate nature’s cycles of rest and renewal in my own life? Contemplate how the natural rhythm of slowing down, resting, and renewing (like in winter) can be incorporated into your personal or professional life for better balance and rejuvenation.