Living Seasonally & Staying Present
Nature has so many health benefits that most of us spend most of our lives, being unaware of. Too busy to slow down, too preoccupied with the next thing to be present through the days.
Scientists have been able to prove just how beneficial time in nature is for our health, from reducing stress and anxiety to helping improve our sleep… Living seasonally and staying present is a powerful way to connect deeply with the natural world and help us enhance our overall wellbeing, choose to live with intention, and focus on the cyclical nature of our bodies and needs.
To truly see the benefits of nature, for our mind, body, emotions, and soul we must focus our attention in the present moment to be aware of our surroundings.
What is Living Seasonally?
Living seasonally is the practice of aligning our lifestyles, habits, and choices with the natural rhythms and changes of the seasons & nature. It involves embracing the unique qualities and offerings of each season, and adjusting our daily activities, habits, and mindset accordingly.
By doing so, individuals can experience numerous benefits for their mind, body, and soul. Living seasonally fosters a deeper connection with our inner selves and the world around us, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.
Humans used to live in a way that was innately more in touch with the seasons; indeed, many people around the world still do. For farmers, it’s important to intricately know what is happening in nature, so crops are planted and harvested at the right times, and are tended with care.
But for the rest of us, living in a way that is consciously connected to the seasons can be an intentional lifestyle choice through mindful daily practices such as seasonal eating and spending more time outside. We can learn to appreciate and embrace the natural rhythms and changes found in nature, and in ourselves.
Benefits of seasonal living may include:
improved mood and reduced stress due to spending time in nature
increased feelings of interconnectedness with the natural world and our place in it
greater knowledge of plant and animal species
the chance to slow down, reflect, and live in a more mindful, intentional way
encouraging us to prioritise self-care and wellbeing on a regular basis, instead of being an afterthought.
nurturing our body with nutritious, seasonal foods
boost energy levels
How to Start Your Seasonal Living Journey
By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of each season, we can cultivate mindfulness, embrace change, and find joy in the present moment.
Living seasonally and staying present is a journey of self-discovery and connection. By immersing ourselves in the beauty of each season, we deepen our understanding of the natural world and ourselves and begin to understand the power of rest, relaxation, and time focused on our inner self.l to increase our harmony, health and productivity.
Here are some practical tips on how to live seasonally and stay present:
Observe and Appreciate Nature:
Take time to observe the unique characteristics of each season. Notice the changing colors, the smells in the air, how different the air feels in each season, the small changes that occur each day so that no plant looks the same two days in a row, notice the different plants and creatures you see, and the sounds of nature. Engage your senses fully and appreciate the beauty around you. Stay present in the moment by grounding yourself in nature's wonders.
Notice Changes Within Yourself:
Just as nature changes throughout the seasons, our own bodies and minds undergo transformations. Pay attention to your own energy levels, moods, and desires as the seasons shift. As well as changes to your skin, digestion, nutrition choices, sleep patterns, and ngs you are drawn towards. By recognising these changes, you can adapt your activities, routines, and self-care practices accordingly.
Take time to keep a journal and see if you notice any patterns between your energy leves, focus, creative periods, and any other symptoms, feelings, or emotions in alignment with the phases of the moon and the seaosns.
Create Seasonal Rituals:
Develop rituals and traditions personal to you that align with each season. For example, in the spring, you might plant seeds or take nature walks to witness new life emerging. In the summer, you could have picnics in the park or engage in outdoor activities. In the autumn, you might enjoy pumpkin carving or leaf collecting. And in the winter, consider cozy gatherings or journaling by a warm fire. Creating meaningful rituals helps to anchor us in the present moment and deepen our connection to the seasons. As well as appreciate and enjoy each season as it comes.
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude:
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of the present moment. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life by engaging in activities with full awareness. Whether it's savoring a delicious meal, taking a mindful walk in nature, or simply pausing to notice your breath, mindfulness allows us to fully experience the joy and beauty of each moment. Expressing gratitude for the gifts and lessons of each season also helps cultivate a sense of contentment and present-focused awareness.
Adapt Your Activities and Goals:
As each season brings its own unique energy, adjust your activities and goals accordingly. In the spring, embrace new beginnings and set fresh intentions. In the summer, focus on productivity and active pursuits. In autumn, allow yourself time for reflection and introspection. And in the winter, prioritise self-care and rest. By attuning your actions to the season, you can move forward in harmony with nature's flow.
Try embracing the beauty of the present moment and allowing the seasons to guide you towards a more fulfilling and balanced life for the next year, and see just how transformative that experience can be, and how much better you feel. I promise you won’t regret it.
Of course Seasonal living is much more nuanced than that, and you can go much deeper into aligning your life and energy with the rhythms of nature.
Imagine a life where you effortlessly flow with the energy of each season, finding balance and alignment along the way.
The underlying thread of this seasonal living process is rebuilding a connection with nature, getting to deeply know your own cycles and needs throughout the month, and taking action with intention & balance so that your daily life supports & nurtures both your health & healing, and your ambitions and goals.
If you want to work and live with purpose and impact, thrive in all areas of your life, and build a beautiful and fulfilling way of life that supports your health & vitality, as well as your personal and work lives…. The Seasonal Alchemy Guide and Yearly planner have been created just for that purpose.
By reconnecting with the cycles and patterns of nature we can reconnect more deeply with ourselves.
Focus on intentional and considered action and let the rest fall away. Focus on what is important to YOU. What would your body need to feel good? What does your mind need?
Start each season by looking at the energy and focus areas of that season, and building your routine and to-do list from there. Taking your cues from nature.
And making sure to focus on your health & wellbeing…
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEASONAL PRODUCTIVITY?
If you would like to learn more about seasonal productivity and a cyclical approach to life & work you can read my eBook; Seasonal Alchemy, your guide to diving deeper into the world of seasonal & cyclical living for planning with the rhythms of nature. You can also check out the accompanying Seasonal Life planner…
Combined these two resources offer you seasonal guidance for health, productivity & creating a balanced, intentional life plus a framework that offers easy reference to help you stay aligned with your natural rhythms all year round, eat seasonally, stay mindful & connected… and SO MUCH MORE
xo Emily
