Dormancy Period

I’ve been spending a lot of time observing the plants on my farm, especially during the rainy season. One thing that has stood out to me is how the concept of a "dormancy period" is deeply woven into the natural rhythm of life. Dormancy isn’t just about inactivity; it’s a purposeful pause. It’s a phase where visible growth slows or stops, but vital processes continue beneath the surface. Plants use this time to conserve energy, strengthen their roots, and prepare for their next burst of life.

Reflecting on this, I’ve come to see parallels between dormancy in plants and the moments in our lives where progress seems invisible or life feels still. Recently, I experienced this with my Booth 7 avocado tree, a hybrid variety I planted on my farm. It taught me lessons about patience, adaptation, and the beauty of quiet growth.

Lessons from a Slow Start

When I first planted my avocado tree, I was filled with anticipation. I imagined it thriving immediately in its new environment, but the reality was humbling. For the first few weeks, there wasn’t much visible progress. The leaves remained still, and there were no signs of new growth. At first, I felt frustrated, wondering if I had done something wrong. But then I realized the tree was in a phase of adaptation, acclimating to the conditions of my farm—different soil, climate, and care routine.

Adding to this, the rainy season brought another challenge. With the constant rain washing away any nutrients I provided, I decided to hold off on feeding the tree. Instead, I focused on ensuring its roots were secure and that it had the space to adjust. This experience mirrored so much of what happens in other areas of life. Sometimes, we plant seeds of effort in our careers, relationships, or personal goals, and progress seems stagnant. But like my avocado tree, these moments are often about quiet preparation—a time to root ourselves deeply before flourishing.

Acceptance of Rest and Stillness

One of the most important lessons from the dormancy period is the acceptance of rest. Trees don’t resist this phase; they embrace it as necessary. Yet, as humans, we often feel guilty when we’re not actively producing or achieving. Observing the natural cycles of trees has taught me to honor stillness as an essential part of growth.

During this quiet phase, I’ve started to let go of the pressure to always be "on" and instead give myself permission to rest. Whether it’s a weekend spent reading or simply sitting quietly on the farm, I’m learning to see rest as productive in its own way. This acceptance has helped me see that rest is not a detour but an integral part of progress.

What’s more, dormancy reminds us that transformation often begins beneath the surface. Change doesn’t always happen visibly, and growth is not always linear. Subtle shifts during quiet moments can eventually lead to profound transformations. Just as a tree doesn’t rush its growth, I’ve realized the importance of aligning with my own seasons, embracing productivity when it feels natural and slowing down when needed.

Root Growth in Quiet Times

What we can’t see during a tree’s dormancy is how its roots are quietly growing stronger, anchoring the tree for the challenges ahead. This resonates deeply with me. In times of stillness, I’ve found myself focusing on inner growth—learning, reflecting, and deepening my understanding of what truly matters.

Much like trees, which find balance between effort and rest, I’ve been reminded to appreciate the unseen work happening during these moments. It’s the quiet strengthening of our foundation that prepares us for life’s active seasons. Letting go of comparison and trusting this process of slow, internal transformation has been a grounding lesson.

Letting Go for Growth

Dormancy often involves letting go—trees shed their leaves, conserving resources for future growth. Watching this process unfold has inspired me to reflect on what I need to release in my own life. Whether it’s unproductive habits, lingering doubts, or distractions, letting go creates space for new possibilities to emerge.

This is where the miracle of renewal begins. After two months of planting, despite the rainy season still ongoing, my avocado tree entered a new phase of growth. With its roots now firmly established, it began channeling energy into producing vibrant new leaves. This transformation served as a vivid reminder that letting go is not about loss but about creating space for something better. Just as a tree redirects its energy toward growth when the time is right, we too can thrive when we let go and trust the process of renewal.

The Wisdom of Being Present

Perhaps the most beautiful lesson from observing dormancy is the wisdom of being present. A tree doesn’t worry about the rain or the cold; it doesn’t compare its growth to another tree. It simply exists, responding to its environment with patience and grace. This quiet wisdom reminds me to embrace life’s rhythms without resistance or haste.

Instead of rushing or overthinking, I’m learning to root myself in the present moment, trusting that growth will come in its own time. The resilience of trees shows me that every phase, whether still or active, has its purpose—and this balance is where true growth lies.