In today's modern world, where technology reigns supreme and our lives are often dictated by busy schedules and constant connectivity, it's important to find ways to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the seasons.
For many, seasonal living is the missing link to living a life of flow and fulfillment. Seasonal living is ripe with wisdom and abundance, bringing intentionality into your day-to-day life that leaves you feeling more connected to your surroundings, yourself, and the work that you do, either professionally or in your everyday.
Embracing seasonal living allows us to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and align ourselves with the cycles of the Earth. Here are seven easy practices to help you embrace seasonal, intentional living.
1. Get Up with the Sun
In order to connect yourself with the macrocosm of seasonal living, you must first connect with the microcosm of daily living. Each day is a small representation of the larger cycle of the seasons. By embracing more intentional daily living, separate from the modern "disturbances" created by our work routines, air conditioning, and artificial lights, you're able to dip back into the slow flow of living with nature.
Now, I'm not saying to kiss your work or modern amenities goodbye. I'm encouraging you to begin living by the light of the sun. Get up when the sun rises and wind down when the sun sets. As you begin connecting your actions more intentionally with the energy of this daily rhythm, you'll find yourself connecting with the larger flow of the seasons.
[Related article: Crystals for Summoning the Sun]
2. Get a Plant Baby
If you struggle with seeing how the seasons affect you, get a plant baby to show you what it's like to change with the seasons.
Whether it's a tropical houseplant or a tree in your backyard, all plants go through seasons of growth and dormancy. And as you watch and assist your plant through the seasons, you'll be more able to connect your own experiences with the turning of the wheel of the year.
3. Go for a Nature Walk
There's a difference between walking to work or walking your dog and going for a nature walk. Though you can do both simultaneously – a nature walk is a walk in which you pay extra attention to nature.
When you take nature walks throughout each season, you are opening yourself up to observe how your surroundings change. This attention to how and when the flowers come and go, the trees change, and how the rest of the world of bugs and animals act in each season will have you paying more attention to the seasons, both outwardly but also likely inwardly as well.
Spend time outdoors and practice mindfulness in nature. Take walks in the woods, sit by a serene lake, or simply find a quiet spot in a park. Engage your senses by noticing the sounds, smells, and textures around you. Let go of distractions and be fully present in the natural environment. This mindful connection with nature can bring a sense of peace, grounding, and appreciation for the world we inhabit.
4. Bring the Outdoors In
One of my favorite ways to embrace seasonal living is to bring the outdoors in. From keeping seasonally-appropriate flowers and greenery in my home to decorating with crystals, wood, and other natural objects, being surrounded by nature in my home helps me remember to live with nature and keeps me in touch with seasonal living.
Another way to use nature in your home to connect with seasonal living is by observing how the sunlight changes in your home from season to season. I especially love how the light plays across my living room and front porch in the evenings near the Autumn Equinox and Spring Equinox. It's a special time of year I welcome with longer sits in those areas of my house, basking in this little gift of the season.
[Related article: 7 Ways to Use Crystals in Everyday Life]
5. Eat and Drink with the Seasons
From Hot Toddies in Winter to Spring Beet Salads, eating and drinking with the seasons not only assists you in living seasonally but is also better for your health, as your body's functions are connected to the seasons, even if your mind isn't.
Not only that but eating seasonally also tastes better! Seasonal eating with foods produced during their peak season gets you the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious choices – and foods produced and purchased in their ideal season are often friendlier to your budget.
Support local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce by eating foods that are in season. Visit your local farmers market or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to access a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only will you be nourishing your body with wholesome, flavorful foods, but you'll also be reducing your carbon footprint by choosing locally sourced options.
Feel free to see this as permission to dive into your pumpkin lattes in Autumn and watermelon in Summer. With every sip and bite, you will notice you're living seasonally.
[Related: View all Seasonal Recipes on the Almanac Journal]
6. Embrace Seasonal Activities
Just like eating and decorating with the seasons, bringing other activities into your daily life during each season will assist you in living seasonally. From water sports and picnics in Summer and cozy fires in Autumn to quiet fiber projects or book-a-thons in Winter and gardening in Spring, seasonal living gives you the opportunity to give every interest and responsibility in your life a season. And each activity will help you sink deeper into seasonal living. If you are looking for some inspiration when it comes to seasonal activities try some of the following:
Embrace Seasonal Crafts
Engage in seasonal crafts and DIY projects to celebrate the beauty of each season. Create a wreath using materials found in nature, make handmade candles scented with seasonal herbs and spices, or paint landscapes inspired by the changing colors of the trees. These creative activities allow you to express your connection to the seasons and infuse your home with a personal touch.
Dress for the Seasons
Adjust your wardrobe to embrace the changing weather and enjoy the beauty of each season. Wear light and airy clothes in the summer, cozy layers in the fall, warm and comfortable attire in the winter, and light, breathable fabrics in the spring. Dressing appropriately for the weather not only keeps you comfortable but also allows you to fully experience and appreciate the unique qualities of each season.
Create Seasonal Rituals
Developing seasonal rituals can bring a sense of rhythm and meaning to your life. For example, in the spring, you could start a tradition of planting a small herb or vegetable garden. In the fall, you could have a cozy gathering with friends and family to celebrate the harvest season. These rituals provide an opportunity to mark the passing of time and connect with the unique qualities of each season.
Reflect and Set Intentions
Use the changing of the seasons as an opportunity for self-reflection and setting intentions. Take time to pause and assess your personal growth, values, and aspirations. Set goals and intentions for the upcoming season, aligning them with the unique energies and themes associated with that time of year. Embracing seasonal living allows for continual renewal and growth in harmony with nature.
Follow the Celestial Events
Stay attuned to celestial events such as solstices, equinoxes, and meteor showers. Learn about the significance of these astronomical occurrences and observe them when possible. Watching the sunrise or sunset on the Summer Solstice or Winter Solstice, for example, can help you connect with the cycles of the Earth and appreciate the cosmic dance that influences the changing seasons.
7. Keep a Nature Journal
For those ready to truly embrace seasonal living, to engage with and record each season as it passes, keeping a nature journal will sink you more deeply into a place of observation and commitment to embracing the seasons.
A nature journal is a place for you to draw or write about what you find and see in nature. It's an engaging and relaxing practice that will help you connect with nature and observe the changing of the seasons. When paired with personal reflections, over time you'll have the ability to see how you change and flow with the seasons, just as the flowers, trees, and wildlife around you changes too.
Shop the Seasons with Almanac Supply Co.
Embracing seasonal living is a powerful way to reconnect with the natural world, find balance, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and rhythms of the Earth. By observing nature's changes, creating rituals, and engaging in seasonal activities, you can foster a sense of harmony and well-being. So, slow down, step outside, and immerse yourself in the magic of seasonal living. Allow the ever-changing cycles of nature to guide you on a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and connection to the world around you.
Emily is the co-founder of Almanac Supply Co., where she loves curating products for Nature Lovers and crafting content to help folks connect with nature. Her favorite season is Summer, when she can visit her favorite creeks and spend long days on her front porch.
