Not every season is for harvesting
This Matariki, take time to pause, reflect and plan
Today, Aotearoa New Zealand marked Matariki, the Māori New Year. It begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the winter sky and is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead with hope for the future.
The appearance of the Matariki star cluster also helps guide decisions about the growing season ahead. Clear bright stars herald a productive season and hazy stars predict a cold, harsh winter which might mean planting is delayed.
The stars can’t guarantee a successful harvest. But they help people prepare well and make the most of the season ahead.
The same is true in many parts of life.
We tend to celebrate the outcomes: the new job, the promotion, the successful event, the completed qualification or the cherished relationship. What we rarely see are the months, or even years, of preparation that came beforehand.
Preparation looks different for everyone. It might be updating your CV before you’re looking for work, learning a new skill, catching up with a mentor, taking better care of your health, making more time for the people you love, or simply giving yourself space to rest after a demanding few months.
They’re the kinds of things that are easy to put off because they don’t feel urgent or don’t feel like they are creating an immediate outcome. But while the preparation doesn’t guarantee success, it leaves us better placed to make the most of opportunities when they arise, and better equipped to navigate the challenges when they don’t.
In a world that often celebrates constant momentum, it can feel like every season should be one of visible progress. Matariki offers a different perspective. It tells us that it’s ok to take time to reflect, and sometimes the most valuable work happens early on, long before we see the result.
Sometimes it’s about taking small, thoughtful steps that prepare the ground for whatever comes next.
⭐️ What ground are you preparing?