Ready to Burst: A Joyous Perspective on Waiting for Change

Tonight at the Friday Night Thought Tale Hour at the Henderson's, we are feeling the change of seasons coming in the air.  I love the diversity of the seasons. It's one of my most favorite things about living here in the Midwest. There is no denying that we experience the full gamut of what each season has to offer here. Sometimes, I get very anxious for the change, especially in the Autumn. I love the colors, the chill of the air, and the smells of fields in a harvest. And lately, as I have been putting much consideration into the pace of my life, I've zeroed in on a very important road sign that I don't want to rush by:  It's great to be able to change for the better, but it's awesome to make that change grow on you like it never had to happen. To completely lose touch with who you were before the change. Like standing under a golden Maple Tree, so enveloped by it's beauty, that you can't even remember what it looked like green, much less how it looked barren of all it's leaves.

And as quickly as it seems to happen, the truth is, it doesn't happen in a flash. It would not be a good thing if it did. A tree that goes from green to leafless in a short time is basically dead.

Here it comes again.... Another lesson about slowing down.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished,” ~Lao Tzu

Some things clicked for me this week as I read this quote. The Lao Tzu quote about nature not hurrying embodies the wisdom behind why a lasting transitional change takes time. As I've been realizing that I am a clock watching fanatic who enjoys filling my calendar with activity, I am thinking I have to take a cue from Mother Nature. When we get into a zone and all the cylinders are in synch, we get impatient and want to experience the finest results immediately. Or at least, take a small bite of the fruit of our labors. Much like the longing I have for the colors of Fall, I long for the results of the enduring effort.

When I’m aware that this is happening, I make myself stop and think: What will hurrying and pushing really produce? If I exert too much energy, I risk injuring something that I rely upon for the long road of life before me. And if I put out vast effort, and I do not experience my heightened expectations, there can be a little hole of disappointment that opens within me. Disappointment that peel away my resolve and can grow into an apathetic flop.

It's not an easy change to make for a human who has become caught on the treadmill of speeding to the next day. Which is why it requires one to take direct measures. Adding in pregnant pauses to our days. You know what I mean? Those times when we allow our minds to wander and rest while there is so much internal growth happening inside? It doesn't have to be just sitting. It can be something where we are actually physically moving, but our brain is allowed to muse and imagine. Whether gardening or jogging, you can be more aware of your breath, and slow yourself down.
"Slow down Turbo", a favorite saying of my kid who now resides in Heaven.

So what can the pace of Nature teach us Sensei? 

During morning walks, I've been musing about what nature can teach me about a sustained presence of energy during the seasons of my life. Here are some of the thoughts that have risen to the top:

1. Determination sustains 

Nature is pretty hard to stop. Weeds and grass grow with dogged determination (as this gardener can attest). Many baby birds and other young offspring grow up against a huge number of odds; they are determined to survive.

With determination, it doesn’t matter how fast (or slowly) you move through life. If you are determined, if you have a goal and a plan to reach that goal, you will be unstoppable.

2. There is much strength in adversity

Have you ever pruned or cut back a plant only to wonder whether you ever actually did, because now the greenery has exploded into an amazing array? When I first came to the Midwest, I used to be reluctant to cut any plants back, due to a fear that the harsh weather would kill it. Then my Father in Law told me that even here, they actually ‘like’ it. I suppose it’s nature’s fight for survival; you cut it so it puts even greater energy into growing more.

Nature could decide to give in and plants could just shrivel up and die. But they don’t. In life, when things seem tough, we usually have two choices: give in or give more.

Wonderful growth comes when we decide to face our weakness and problems rather than flee from them.

3. Adaptability frees you to be open to change.

Nature can be incredibly adaptable. Just think about the four seasons. Animals and plants alike adjust to cope with the changes in climate and meteorological factors.

Humans are no different. We put on an extra sweater or two in the winter but can be less adept at managing with changing circumstances. Since change is one of the only certain things in life, try to accept this and see it as a positive thing as far as possible.

You might not be able to control life events, but what you can control is how you respond to them. Sometimes this means rolling up into a ball, and other times, outstretching your arms facing it head on.

4. Storing inner strength for the winters of our discontent

When autumn arrives, nature seemingly goes into shut down. But actually, wonderful things are going on, ready for when the plant and animal kingdom come into full swing once more.
Take a leaf out of nature’s book and nurture inner strength when times seem sunny so that when the clouds appear, you have a good handle on self-awareness. Know when it's time to take a breather, and when it's time to stir up the fire.

5. Collaboration expands your individual potential.

Nature demonstrates the power of collaborative effort.  Bees and flowers are just one of the many examples of this. Bees collect nectar from flowers to make their honey while the flowers get a good deal out of it by their pollen being spread by their furry winged companions.

It's very easy to avoid asking for help or even letting others in on your dreams or goals. But the fact is, the world is one huge partnership of human beings, connected by dots of interaction. Individuals can accomplish things alone, but getting even the smallest piece of advice can increase the outcome to the 10th power. Like the flower, you just have to be open to it.

I’ll never meet all of the people who somehow are connected to my life, but remembering that every single thing I do I am able to do because of someone else is something that grounds me when I'm feeling puffed up with pride.  It's a powerful feeling to see people as teammates rather than competitors or adversaries.

6. Consistency is consistently the most important character trait in a human.

With the exception of an extreme weather occurrence, nature is pretty darn consistent. It is also very realistic and cautious. Nature knows it's limits and sticks to them. Wind or rain doesn't stop a tree from blooming. It just means it has to work harder to remain there.

When you start something, be prepared to stick to it. It doesn’t matter if the day or time has to change as long as you are doing your thing at least once a week. Maybe you want your garden to look pristine and something to be proud of. Again, get out there regularly rather than spend five hours slogging away once a month. It's ok to do a little catch-up or slow down, but finding a pace and embracing it will mean you can depend on the results.

Whatever your thing, be consistent about it. It might seem boring, but it will prevent a lot of tail chasing and hand wringing.

So tonight, we will toast to the approaching season of Autumn here at the Enchanted Cottage. In honor of the powerful way Nature changes the color of the leaves, I have chosen to make a color changing Martini. It's called "The Dynamic Change", and it does require a little prep time to get the full effects. But isn't taking the time to put forth the right preparation what makes the rewards of effort so enjoyable? CHEERS, FRIENDS!

The Dynamic Change**
1 oz. Three Olives Cinnabon Vodka
1 oz. lemon Juice
1 oz. Lucid Absynthe
A pinch of baking soda
½ oz. red cabbage juice
Suspension of disbelief (optional)

Directions:
To achieve the color change, you’ll need to add red cabbage juice. Why? Red cabbage juice can be used as an indicator – it turns shades of red when mixed with an acid (in our recipe, the lemon juice) and shades of blue when mixed with bases (the baking soda). Don’t worry, neither the cabbage nor baking soda tastes of anything when mixed with the correct ratios.

To prepare the cabbage juice: Cut a red cabbage into one-inch strips, and add to a microwavable safe bowl. Add water until the cabbage is submerged. Microwave on high until the water is boiling, which should take roughly two and a half to three minutes, depending on the size of the bowl.

Allow the cabbage juice to cool. Then, portion out the amount of cabbage juice you need, and add a pinch of baking soda, which will turn the juice blue.

Mix the blue cabbage juice with the Vodka and Triple Sec in a mixer filled with ice, and add to a martini glass. Serve the drink blue, and bring out the lemon juice with the drink. Add the lemon juice, and it will change from blue to pink.

Tip: Experiment with different concentrations of red cabbage juice to achieve a more saturated color.

**Always drink responsibly. Never drive after drinking.