INTRODUCTION
This story was inspired by Alexander Shaia's Quadratos which proposes four universal paths or actions in our journey. Participants in my spiritual care support groups generally find this story very easy to connect with their own journey and life struggle. Assuming that the four seasons are impermanent and always in flux, this framework gives us sojourners in this life hope especially when we feel stuck and overwhelmed by life's storm. The words by J.R. Tolkien are much easier to hear: "But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it'll shine out the clearer."
This story was inspired by Alexander Shaia's Quadratos which proposes four universal paths or actions in our journey. Participants in my spiritual care support groups generally find this story very easy to connect with their own journey and life struggle. Assuming that the four seasons are impermanent and always in flux, this framework gives us sojourners in this life hope especially when we feel stuck and overwhelmed by life's storm. The words by J.R. Tolkien are much easier to hear: "But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it'll shine out the clearer."
The Wisdom of the Four Seasons
(written by Chaplain Donnel; inspired by Alexander Shaia’s Quadratos)
There was once someone who was old and wise. Full of wisdom, this person looked upon nature and creation as a teacher. Others would come and seek this wise person’s deep knowledge.
“Tell us,” people would say as they gathered around the wise one. “Teach us how to be in harmony with the Way.”
“Remember my beloved siblings,” said the wise sage. “Observe closely the trees; notice the weather; pay close attention to the sun and the moon; watch the plants grow and become ripe for harvest.”
“Most important - remember, the four seasons are our guide. Each season invites us to do an important action.”
“The first action is to release and let go. In the fall, the leaves turn their color to bright and warm colors. Then notice the leaves fall and bless the earth to show that the trees had made peace with letting go.”
“The second action is to wait. In the winter, the darkness comes, and the land is dreadfully cold. And yet, while the plants and trees might look lifeless, they are in fact staying dormant to save energy. In the darkness we wait. We wait for the light to return.”
“The third action, my siblings, is to receive. In the spring, we receive the light as it returns. Watch the buried seeds asleep in their earthen tombs rise up with joy to break forth the hard coffins of their shells. Life bursts once more upon receiving the light of spring. Do not forget to receive the light. “
“The fourth action is to serve. In the summer, things grow lush green and ripen. Through their fruits, plants & trees nourish others. Likewise we too need to nourish and serve one another.”
“Remember my siblings that these four actions will help us be in harmony with the Way: we release, we wait, we receive, and we serve.”
(written by Chaplain Donnel; inspired by Alexander Shaia’s Quadratos)
There was once someone who was old and wise. Full of wisdom, this person looked upon nature and creation as a teacher. Others would come and seek this wise person’s deep knowledge.
“Tell us,” people would say as they gathered around the wise one. “Teach us how to be in harmony with the Way.”
“Remember my beloved siblings,” said the wise sage. “Observe closely the trees; notice the weather; pay close attention to the sun and the moon; watch the plants grow and become ripe for harvest.”
“Most important - remember, the four seasons are our guide. Each season invites us to do an important action.”
“The first action is to release and let go. In the fall, the leaves turn their color to bright and warm colors. Then notice the leaves fall and bless the earth to show that the trees had made peace with letting go.”
“The second action is to wait. In the winter, the darkness comes, and the land is dreadfully cold. And yet, while the plants and trees might look lifeless, they are in fact staying dormant to save energy. In the darkness we wait. We wait for the light to return.”
“The third action, my siblings, is to receive. In the spring, we receive the light as it returns. Watch the buried seeds asleep in their earthen tombs rise up with joy to break forth the hard coffins of their shells. Life bursts once more upon receiving the light of spring. Do not forget to receive the light. “
“The fourth action is to serve. In the summer, things grow lush green and ripen. Through their fruits, plants & trees nourish others. Likewise we too need to nourish and serve one another.”
“Remember my siblings that these four actions will help us be in harmony with the Way: we release, we wait, we receive, and we serve.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What season(s) do you find yourself in right now?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Groups
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Worksheet
Four Seasons Art Template
Art Examples
VIDEO of Breathing Meditation
____________
Session: Mostly Singing + Reflection
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
____________
SONGS:
Coming Alive Again (Lyrics/Chords)
If I'm Gonna Fall (Lyrics/Chords)
I'm Sending You Light (Lyrics/Chords)
Light of the Heart (Lyrics/Chords)
Hymn of Promise (Lyrics/Chords)
Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Through the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Blessed Rain (Guitar Tutorial)
Season's Change
Participant's Guide: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Worksheet
Four Seasons Art Template
Art Examples
VIDEO of Breathing Meditation
____________
Session: Mostly Singing + Reflection
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
____________
SONGS:
Coming Alive Again (Lyrics/Chords)
If I'm Gonna Fall (Lyrics/Chords)
I'm Sending You Light (Lyrics/Chords)
Light of the Heart (Lyrics/Chords)
Hymn of Promise (Lyrics/Chords)
Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Through the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Blessed Rain (Guitar Tutorial)
Season's Change
