Stay in tune with cycles, seasons

The world around us operates in seasons and cycles. In Atlanta, we’re noticing signs of spring. Flowers are blossoming. The weather is warming. There’s more daylight.

Just as the seasons cycle throughout the year, we cycle through our own seasons as human beings. When we honor these cycles and learn to operate within them, we enjoy more peace and happiness.

Sometimes life seems to be slowing down. Perhaps things aren’t happening as fast as you’d like. Maybe you’re not getting the results you want. As humans, we tend to want to push forward anyway. However, this may be a sign to slow down, collect yourself and prepare for next steps. Action taken for action’s sake alone can be detrimental. Pushing the river can create self-imposed obstacles. Instead, learning to flow with the river can help you experience better timing and connect you to greater ideas and inspiration.

At other times, life seems to be speeding up, requiring more of your energy and attention. This is the time to put your foot on the gas pedal, and go for it! This season of life often leaves you feeling elevated and energized. You may even feel invincible and unstoppable. Enjoy the trajectory of positivity this cycle brings.

Seasons are impermanent and transitory. When you learn to find your rhythm within each one, you’ll enjoy a feeling of calm, balance and surefootedness.

Joyful Daily is a new column that offers ideas for improving mindfulness and actively seeking joy every day. The column publishes weekdays online and Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays in the Living section. Angela Buttimer and Dennis Buttimer are psychology experts and the founders of Atlanta Center for Mindfulness and Well-being. Learn more about their work at pathtobestself.com. Send questions or comments about Joyful Daily to joyfuldailyajc@gmail.com.