DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE 72 SEASONS?
As I walk 9km each morning as part of 9KM BY 9AM, I pay attention to the natural world around me and the changes that are happening. It’s a great way of being mindful of your surroundings and becoming more present with nature. For me this is at the heart of forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku as it’s known in Japan.
The Japanese have been doing this for hundreds of years and have names for 24 short seasons called sekki and 72 micro seasons, known as kō.
The current short season is Daikan or Greater Cold. This comprises three micro seasons:
January 20–24, Fuki no hana saku or Butterburs bud
January 25–29, Kiwamizu kōri tsumeru or Ice thickens on streams
January 30–February 3, Niwatori hajimete toya ni tsuku or Hens start laying eggs
These seasons are designed to make us better understand our connection with nature. By being aware of the finer changes in the environment, we can learn to be more present and in rhythm with the outside world. They have names like ‘Awakening of hibernated insects’, ‘First peach blossoms’, ‘Worms surface’, ‘Cool winds blow’ and ‘Mist starts to hover’.
By paying attention to nature, I began to notice a whole world of magic. I started to live in the now, by sensing the small changes in the outside world as they happened.
These shorter seasons enable you to learn to read slight changes in the natural world and become more sensitive to your own rhythms. They show you the transient nature of everything. Flowers blossom and wilt; insects die; snow melts. This reminds us of our own impermanence and tells you that you must focus on what really matters now, before it’s too late.
STEPS YOU CAN TAKE…
STEP 1 – SEE YOUR OWN 72 SEASONS
Go for a walk. Try and get out at least once a day. What changes can you see on your walk? Notice the flowers starting to bloom, the leaves falling off trees, the first frost. By doing this, you are living in the now.
My book Walking Back To Happiness The Secret To Alcohol-free Living & Well-being shows you how I found happiness and well-being through re connecting with nature and how you can to.
ARE YOU SOBER CURIOUS?
If you are thinking of taking a break from alcohol in January – then why not book a coaching Discovery Call with me.
Book a Coaching Discovery Call https://calendly.com/9kmby9am/30minchemistrysession
LINKS
If you are questioning your alcohol consumption or already taking a break from it and seeing the huge benefits that brings please feel free to get in touch. You can contact me through:
Website – www.9kmby9am.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.9kmby9am.com/latest-news/newsletter/
Book a Coaching Discovery Call https://calendly.com/9kmby9am/30minchemistrysession
BOOK
Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nigel-Jones/e/B0B7RP6LH6/
Paperback https://amzn.eu/d/573olDm
Hardcover https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/191514731X/
Kindle / eBook https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7QVJP2M/
SOCIALS
Facebook 9KM BY 9AM Challenge Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9kmby9amchallenge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9kmby9am
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WALKINGBACKTOHAPPINESS
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9kmby9am
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9kmby9am/
Back to latest articles