How to Write a Seasonal Review for Personal Reflection
The summer solstice arrives this week on June 21st, which means it’s an opportune time to write a seasonal review. Within liturgical time, this week also remembers St. John the Baptist through Midsummer, a celebration of his birth and agricultural growth. Similar to the solstices and equinoxes, Midsummer is one of several holidays that act as guideposts through the church year. These dates mark natural or spiritual seasons and can serve us in our own personal reflection.
The rotation of the natural seasons — winter, spring, summer, and autumn — compel us to adapt to changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind. Seasonal changes prompt us to do more than remember an umbrella; they can provide necessary nutrients so crops flourish or destroy homes in natural disasters. Both individual and communal wellbeing are at stake. As Mother Earth showcases her power, we are invited to pay attention.
Similarly, the ever-evolving seasons of life and nature compel us to constantly adapt to change through experiences of pain or delight. Even in the smallest ways, we reorient ourselves to both controllable and unpredictable circumstances within our homes, relationships, work, and community. The invitation to notice these shifts remains.
What is a Seasonal Review?
A seasonal review recognizes the significance of paying attention. This practice targets a particular period of time and creates space to reflect on the events or emotions included there. By noticing these things, we cultivate a deeper awareness to the movements of our inner life and our posture towards self, others, and God.
Practiced with care, intentional ‘noticing’ may result in feelings of centeredness and clarity. If challenging emotions arise, consider speaking with a therapist or spiritual director.
If this practice sounds familiar, it is a practice rooted in the daily prayer of Examen. This prayer invites us to pay attention to the day behind us, but can easily extend to different combinations of time. By increasing the quantity of time to examine, we can often get a much needed birds-eye-view.
How to Write a Seasonal Review
Before you begin, set gentle perimeters for your review. What timeframe will you be paying attention to? (A few suggestions are listed below.) How long will you reflect? If it’s helpful, determine a dedicated space in either your calendar or as your physical location to support your reflection.
The content, length, and appearance of a seasonal review is a personal choice, though there are two foundational questions to ask: Where do I notice Love? Where do I notice fear? Answering these two questions may result in more questions, which you are encouraged to notice and respond to in a way that feels best to you.
Review the season at hand by noticing your memories, either by natural recollection or through various records. This is where your gentle perimeters will be helpful. Be careful to notice when you’ve become distracted and softly come back. A timer set for 15 minutes could be helpful.
- Review personal or work calendars. What do your past plans tell you?
- Look back on your camera roll. What photos stand out to you?
- Re-read journal entries, posts or texts. What interactions did you have with yourself or others?
- Look at your nightstand or bookshelf. What kind of information framed your days?
- Glance at your bank statements. What did you prioritize during this time?
This list contains mere suggestions. Choose what feels appropriate for you. As you look back, allow those two questions to be your guide. Where do I notice Love? Where do I notice fear? Make note of any observations you’d like to remember.
Looking forward, consider what you’ve noticed. What do these observations tell you about the present season? How might these observations shape the season ahead? Where is God inviting you?
Different Types of Seasons
Ember Days occur four times within the liturgical year and exist to create space for fasting, abstinence, and prayer. A set of Ember Days includes a successive Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Following the church year, Ember Days begin during Advent right after St. Lucia’s feast day, after the first Sunday of Lent, after Pentecost Sunday, and then finally after the Feast of the Holy Cross. (See specific dates for 2023-2024.)
Other liturgical guideposts include Midsummer (St. John the Baptist), Michaelmas (St. Michael and the Archangels), Martinmas (St. Martin’s Day), Candlemas (Presentation of Christ).
Annual celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries or Hallowtide or New Years are meaningful, potentially unique days to look back and review the previous year.
Solstices and equinoxes mark the entrance of summer, autumn, winter, and spring. These seasonal thresholds offer deep wisdom. (See specific dates for 2023 and beyond.)
Other milestones, such as becoming new parents or empty nesters, celebrating recovery, moving to a new place, leaving a church or job, can also serve as excellent opportunities to look back and review. Depending on the event or milestone, it may be appropriate to have someone support you as you look back.
Suggested Spiritual Practices
As you write a seasonal review, I highly recommend adding in a spiritual practice. The prayer of Examen and silence are two that may support your reflection process. You may also select a photo from your camera roll (from your predetermined season) and pray the visio divina.
Whether you decide to write something meaningful in 30 minutes or take a self-guided retreat day, this practice offers a simple path for personal reflection. I pray it’s one that also expands your awareness of the divine love that holds you secure each day.
