And just like that, summer is over. In less than two weeks, basketfuls of many varieties of Autumn citrus such as navel oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines will be ripe for the picking. While it feels like we've been on a citrus "break," so to speak, those three to four months between the last harvest in late spring and the first in mid-Autumn are fruitful in less conspicuous ways. There may not be citrus to pick, but the trees are in their busiest season, metabolically speaking.
Last year, we wrote a blog about the biology of a citrus tree, and the important care that trees need over the summer to effect an optimal harvest. But what about us human beings? Can the summer cycle of the humble citrus tree be an existential metaphor for caring for and finding meaning in our own lives?
The Seasons of Our Lives
Just as with citrus trees, we cannot expect the excitement of a big harvest in every season. Some seasons are meant to put down roots, others to grow and expand, and others for reaping the fruits of our efforts.
Summer is often associated with the "blahs." The weather is hot, school's out, we're six months past feeling motivated by New Year's resolutions, and an associated sluggishness can ensue. It can easily feel like there's not a whole lot going on.
From the outside, citrus trees don't look very exciting, either. With no visible fruit, it's easy to misconstrue a summer tree as nothing special. However, there is a lot of quiet growth happening in the midst: roots are deepening, leaves are expanding, and trunks are strengthening, enabling the plant to begin the flowering and fruiting cycles of late summer, autumn, winter, and spring. We might think of summer as a season of preparation, for both the trees and our own journeys. With gentle effort, whether it be self-care, working on a project, learning a new language, or simply practicing kindness and patience, the fruits of these efforts will be that much sweeter when the time is right.
Harvest Time
For a citrus tree, "harvest" is pretty simple, right? After the fruits ripen, they're picked and consumed. But actually, there is a bit more to it. A harvest doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of many tender months of cultivation through other seasons. Each type of citrus fruit has its own optimal growth period, and own harvest season, allowing us to enjoy different varieties of fruits from November through May.
Likewise, we shouldn't expect to be constantly "producing" at every moment. Like citrus trees, the more we honor the seasons of growth and rest, the more we can reap the "fruits." And, as we humans are comprised of many varieties as well, our growth period should not be compared to another's harvest period, which can happen at completely different times.
It is also worth mentioning that "harvesting" in one's life may look like a tangible reward or specific goal reached, but it may also be something more lasting and sustainable. For example: If we nurture relationships, over time we harvest closer friendships and connections. If we nurture generosity, we harvest joy in helping the world. If we nurture our minds, we harvest a steady increase in wisdom.
Cultivation Versus Harvest
The word "cultivation" applies to the whole process of a life. How we prepare the soil, sow the seeds, establish roots, create the best conditions for growing, and tend patiently to our growth each step of the way comes down to the choices we make. These stepwise choices are hugely important, and should not be rushed. We all want the big promotion, the book written, the perfect relationship, the financial windfall, the fit body. But harvesting these is just a part of cultivation, dependent upon each step, which can take time. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "It's not the destination that matters, but the journey." We can learn to appreciate our "summers" in fresh new ways when we realize how integral each season is to the whole picture of cultivating a great life.
Sharing the Harvest
Finally, as we enter into the season of Thanksgiving, it feels very fitting to point out the most meaningful comparison to a citrus tree: our harvest is meant to be shared. A fruitful life is not hoarded. When we reap the benefits of careful and steady cultivation, we are invited to then share our joy, wealth, gratitude, wisdom, and other fruits of our stepwise efforts. Growing is not an independent journey. Our roots and branches help hold up others, so that we can help them grow and produce as well.
As we enjoy this season's sweetly ripened citrus fruits after the long summer, we can be reminded: What we are doing now matters. And, what we pass on to others may be the sweetest harvest of them all.
Sources:
https://bloomvara.com/the-life-cycle-of-a-citrus-tree/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/citrus-production
https://auntieannebeiler.com/the-secret-to-harvesting-the-life-you-want-is-found-in-your-choices/
