How & Why to Live More Seasonally
When we live according to work & school schedules it is easy to forget that we live in a naturally cyclical world. With all of our modern conveniences, it is understandable that we fail to remember our lives are affected by the moon phases, the tides cycles and daylight hours. At its core, seasonal living is adapting with nature to embrace periodic climate changes. Seasonal living helps us to feel more aligned with our surroundings, balanced in our physical sensations, and be present emotionally & mentally. It can also teach us to be more welcoming of changes and be more flexible.
Seasonal living taps into indigenous traditions of living with the land. The practice helps us acknowledge changes to the environment as well as live in a way that best cares for its present condition. Many indigenous communities have practices of creating/acknowledging seasonal wheels and seasonal calendars for their specific land, which helps pass knowledge to new generations and monitor ecological health.
Characteristics & Symbolic Meanings of Each Season
The below characteristics are based on a general Northern Hemispheric perspective. This list may serve as a base-level conceptualization and need adapting to best suit the seasons you personally experience.
Spring
Warmer weather
Increased rain & water systems
Growth
Sprouting
Rooting
Flowering & budding
New Life
Beauty
Hope
Opportunity
Vernal Equinox - equal amount daylight and darkness
Summer
Hot weather
Increase daylight hours
Growth
Nourishment
Flowering
Fruiting
Light, joy
Youth
Fire
Honesty
Socialization
Summer Solstice - most daylight for the whole year
Fall
Cooler weather
Plants becoming more dormant, slower growth
Trees change colors, lose leaves
Transition
Slowing down
Harvest, celebration
Gratitude
Abundance
Preparation & planning
Autumnal Equinox - equal amount daylight and darkness
Winter
Cold weather
Snow & ice
Decreased daylight hours
Hibernation
Dormancy and death
Quiet and stillness
Solitude
Coziness
Intentionality
Introspection
Winter Solstice - least daylight for the whole year
Ways to Start Incorporating a Seasonal Lifestyle
This list serves as an introduction to simple ways to experience seasonal living. If this list inspires you, I encourage you to look more in depth at your local indigenous and sustainable farming practices.
Be Mindful in Nature
A good place to start is by simply observing the changes you notice to plants and nature in your life. See if there is new growth or changes to local plants. Listen for new birds chirping in the mornings. Notice temperature shifts or differing times of sunrise/sunset. By simply noticing the changes around you, you will become more attuned to the space around you. If you'd like to dive in deeper to the specific species you are witnessing, attend a locally guided nature hike.
Daily Routine
Most of us cannot completely overhaul our basic routines, but we can make small changes to adapt better to each season. Become more in tune to your circadian rhythm, which are the physical, mental and behavioral changes in a 24-hour period. This rhythm is highly affected by daylight. Take note of the times of sunrise and sunset, perhaps adding a widget to your phone home screen or tracking on a calendar. Pay attention to the weather and moon phases. Try to spend more time in nature and sunshine during morning hours when possible. As the sunsets early, try going to sleep sooner. Adapt your exercise routine to the changing weather as well, such as spending more time outdoors as the weather warms.
Eat Seasonally
Eat more foods that are ripe and growing during the current season. This may require a little research as most of us have grown accustom to being able to get any product at any time of year from our grocery stores. Try going to local farmer's markets, subscribing to a local farm delivery box, or visiting U-Pick produce sites. Explore new recipes. This practice is more sustainable for our farms and usually seasonal foods are more affordable than those out of season.
Garden & Grow
If you have the space, consider planting your own garden. As an active participant, you will be more attuned to your seasonal produce and the changes on the land. You will also feel like you are nurturing growth in your space. If you don't have a yard consider a small window planter or growing herbs from seeds. Even houseplants go through seasonal changes and can help you notice subtle differences based on weather and temperature.
Change Your Space
Deep clean your home with the transitioning into a season. Bring the outdoor inside by decorating with natural elements that remind you of the season. Consider switching scents in your home through all natural candles or diffusing essential oils. Move or highlight decor that colors' tie in with the season. Incorporate weather appropriate changes such as adding heavier blankets to your bed or couch during fall and winter. Sort through your closet to see what items you will bring out for the new season and may need storage as the old one passes.
Create Mood Boards
Make digital or physical mood boards that help inspire you for the season. This can help you get a feel for the season and get ideas for fun seasonal activities. For example, a spring mood board could be filled with colorful flowers, picnics on green grass, baby animals, and growing gardens. Reference your board when you are feeling distracted or unaligned with the time of year.
Listen to Music
Create or discover playlists of songs inspired by each specific season. Start listening to it at the beginning of the season to help you get in the spirit and mindset. Feel free to add songs as you go. Keep these playlists in tune to the characteristics and moods of each season. For example a fall playlist may incorporate songs referencing leaves, pumpkins, spooky Halloween activities, and Dia De Los Muertos.
Celebrate Holidays
Celebrating holidays and engaging with traditions can help us attune to the seasons. You can continue to celebrate holidays from your upbringing or discover new ways to celebrate the solstices and equinoxes.
Craft & Make
Create projects that are a reflection of the season. This could mean utilizing seasonal plants and materials to make something. This could also mean engaging in projects that help you take better notice of the changing seasons, such a temperature blanket.
Set Your Intention
It can be overwhelming to transform your routine all at once. I recommended starting with one or two ways to living more seasonally that you can easily incorporate into your current routine. As you start becoming more attuned to the seasons try adding more methods. Take notice of how you feel differently after completing a seasonal activity. Do you feel more present? More connected with nature? More grateful for change?
What ways are you already living seasonally? What you most excited to try?