Do Less – Seriously !

There is a book that I love by Kate Northrup, called Do Less.  She talks all about the seasons, how they relate to the seasons of our lives, and how we can synchronize our energy with nature to feel and do our best. 

For the most part, we don’t think much about how we are using our energy. Our society is constantly in overdrive, keeping the same fast pace lifestyle throughout the entire year, even if it’s not making us feel good. We tend to focus on doing more, and more, and more – and as a result, we eventually experience severe burnout. Nature on the other hand works in cycles, using some seasons for doing and clothes for rest and recuperation. Nature finds balance. spring and summer are about doing and creating while autumn and winter are about letting go of what is no longer serving you (like leaves falling in the Northeast and forest fires on the West Coast). Mother nature needs this time to clean out, turn inward and prepare. Think of the trees – they don’t look like they’re doing much in winter, but they are actually spending valuable time preparing for Spring and Summer.

So, how does this apply to us?

Have you ever “burned something down” – ie, left a job, a relationship, a habit –  got some support around that, did mental planning, and then amazing things happened (ie spring and summer)? You likely experienced a true season of letting go, that prepared you to bloom. 

Here are the Cliff Notes to have amazing things happen in your life by aligning with the seasons:

1. Get rid of what isn’t serving you (burn that thing down – autumn)
2. Give yourself mental space to figure out what you need and your boundaries (winter)
3. Start building support structures in your life to support you and want you to want to create (spring) (insert blog around support and health from the winter)
4. Implement your plan to the fullest  and watch the next stage in your life flourish (summer)

Notice that there are only 2 really active seasons – spring and summer. These are the seasons that see us doing more, and putting out more energy to support our lives.  And half the year we are doing less, resting, reflecting, and preparing for the seasons to come. But, sometimes less brings more. 

Imagine what would happen if you started to support yourself more.  What does that mean for you?  Better nutrition?  More acupuncture? A different exercise plan?  What changes could happen in your life by July or September?

Food for thought,

Nicole