“To everything there is a season,
and a time for every purpose under heaven…”
One of the busiest times of year has passed. The cycle has turned, and we are now well into 2023! Traditionally, this is when people take stock of themselves and their circumstances. Looking for ways to improve and/or change whatever… for the better. New Year’s Resolutions! We make ‘em with all good intentions… and subsequently break ‘em. No matter how well intended, the will is just not fully engaged sometimes. And, as the months pass, even the most hopeful of intentions wither, and slowly turn to dust. Yet the idea is a good one, to be encouraged whenever possible. And there are always exceptions. When a newly made resolution actually resonates into a tried, and true reality. However, this is not the case for most of us.
Come January 1st, we are more than ready to hit the ground running. Complete with newly-made resolutions in place, eager to be implemented with all our force and being. How exciting! But… time passes. Enthusiasm wanes, and life beckons with the usual routines which make up the sum of our days.
The glow of the Holidays with all its bright and shiny, its hopeful promise begins to fade. Before you know it, we have settled back into everyday life, and our regular selves. Experiencing a little anti-climax with nothing to show for all the hype.
January, with its cold and snow, its stormy weather can be a bit of a let-down. We are coming off the high of a fast-paced holiday season which began at Thanksgiving and slid right into Christmas. That’s a long time to be going full-speed. And this is when we are dreaming up New Year’s Resolutions? May be not the best time for life-changing decisions to be made in a realistic manner; expected to take root and grow. Kind of like those fireworks ushering in the New Year, they flare up only to die down and fade away.
Actually, now is a good month to lie fallow. Turning off the noise that is blaring all around outside us. And instead, listening to that which is within. Hearing ourselves for a change… the inner voice of heart, of soul. The stillness of a winter’s day can offer regeneration. Providing the peace needed to restore and renew those resources, which the holiday called forth in such abundance. This is where and when to take stock… the better to make decisions more well-informed for the year to come.
Resolutions made in the quiet aftermath of a busy season tend to be more realistic. It is during these days of slow and quiet, that ideas present in a natural, and organic manner. Not when the pace of life is frantic and crazy with celebration. Amidst the quiet, and in closer attunement with the self, insights discerned and decisions made will be truer, more well-grounded. And as such, better aligned with the will, increasing the chance of fulfillment.
It is well understood, that a field which has been planted over, and over again, becomes depleted. The nutrients present in the soil which feed the crop, degrades. The land is no longer fertile. It becomes virtually useless; dried and withered. The food planted therein, providing less than optimal nutrition. And so, the farmer lets the field lie fallow.
The land rests, hibernates in a sense, with no plants to support. Over time, lying still, knowing only the seasonal cycles of sunshine and rain, the field regenerates; becoming healthy and arable. Once again able to support the sowing of seeds which will henceforth bear fruit. We can take a lesson from this. For in many ways, we are no different… a reflection of nature.
After weeks overflowing with demands, and the stress of a fast-paced life, there needs to be a time of quiet. A season of rest and regeneration. It’s okay to slow down, to not keep step with all that is flying around and about us. Now is a time to stop, catch a breath; and allow for the nurturing and care of our own minds and bodies.
An opportunity to lie fallow, and regenerate from the hectic pace of the last couple months. Regaining an equilibrium from the conflicting emotions which such holiday times can stir, with their memories of past and present… joy and sorrow. It makes sense to balance a hectic season with one that is quiet, offering as it does a gentler time and pace. The better to reorient the self to what the New Year has to offer.
Isaiah 30:15 says… “in rest… in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” The Hebrew translation defines the word ‘quietness’ as meaning calm, free from anxiety… repose.
Lying fallow, gives us a chance to relax; to listen for that inner voice, hearing it speak more clearly. To reconnect heart and mind provides the balance needed going forward into the New Year. Rested, refreshed and confident; we are better equipped with the strength and resources to meet – head on – whatever challenges 2023 might present.
Over the year, we share so much of ourselves with family, friends… and many others.
Surely, we can spare some of that which we give so freely, for our own nurture and regeneration.
New Year’s Resolution…
… to be as kind and gentle with ourselves as we are with others.
Less hard and demanding of the self… more understanding and forgiving of our shortcomings
To appreciate, and love who we are – now, at this very moment in time.
4 thoughts on “Resolutions: A Season to Lie Fallow”
Thank you for these wise, supportive words, Bev. Most often, the holidays leave me feeling let-down & inadequate. They never seem to match expectations. It makes good sense to use January to take a breath & be kind to myself. Thanks for that permission!
You’re very welcome. We all need to slow down… and breathe. Re-evaluating our expectations isn’t such a bad idea either. Good for you. Here’s to a New Year of kindness and consideration of self… joy and sense of contentment!
“Regaining an equilibrium from conflicting emotions.” That is exactly what I need to spend January doing, this year more than ever. Your words were like a lightbulb going on in my head. Thank you for this very wise, very beautifully worded and illustrated essay. I may reread it each day this month to, as Barbara commented, gain permission to take a breath and be kind to myself.
And this begs the question… why do we need to give ourselves permission? Whether it be to slow down, or be good to ourselves and do that self-care thing? We should be able to see to our well-being as we deem necessary… and not feel guilty for tending to our own needs, whatever they may be. We are more than worth the care and kindness in our own right.
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