Nature gives us different seasons. We enjoy the bright spring after winter, the warm sun in summer, the rains of the monsoon, leaves changing colours in autumn, and the cool crisp air in winter. Things look different in each season. Our mind too has two main seasons. Joy and Sorrow.

Things look different depending on the season of our mind. When we are happy, even simple experiences feels great and every meal tastes delicious. And when we feel heavy within, even the most beautiful thing hardly appeals to us.

We have no control over the seasons in nature but we can learn to manage the seasons of the mind.

It all depends on where our mind is drawing its energy and source of happiness from. Relationships and success in the world will, of course give us happiness. But the world being transient and cyclical in nature, things are in a state of constant change. Happiness will give way to sorrow will give way to happiness and then sorrow. And this endless cycle keeps changing the seasons in our mind.

As good as we are and as hard as we may try, we cannot get away from the changing seasons internally because we have pegged it to a changing source externally.

But the Sun itself has no seasons, even though it shines through all seasons in nature. It is its own source of power and energy. We too have that sun within. The source, which, through all the ups and downs of life, remains changeless.

And when our mind understands and accepts this and we dedicate ourselves to realising that Infinite we may have heard and read about, but are yet to experience, our adventure starts. And with every sincere step, the seasons of our mind starts changing. The storm of anger and agitation which comes with our sorrow, gives way to the cool breeze of faith, acceptance and equanimity.

And when we manage the seasons of our mind, basking in the love and joy that we truly are, we will surprise ourselves and realise we are standing as a candle in the wind.

( Picture – Beautiful tree in Trinity College, Dublin )