The Sunday Pause #11: How Embracing the Seasons Can Change Your Life
Living in Sync: Your Guide to Seasonal Wellness and Happiness.
Welcome to The Sunday Pause, a weekly series designed to be a dedicated space for reflection and intentional living. I’m Amy: Wife, Mother, a slow + simple living facilitator and yoga instructor.
Amid our fast-paced world, this series invites you to take a pause, a moment of quiet contemplation on Sundays, to navigate the intricacies of intentional living. Here, we'll explore the essence of living with purpose, share practical tips, and create a ritual that allows you to intentionally shape your week. Join us in this weekly pause, as we navigate intentional living in our bustling lives.
Do you ever feel stuck in a rut? Scrolling through social media mindlessly, another workday blurring into the next, the weeks slipping by without a trace of the changing seasons? I know I used to. I started to crave a deeper connection to something bigger than myself, something that felt like a departure from the modern world but the most natural thing of all at the same time, something that reflects the cycle of life and growth.
This yearning led me to explore the concept of seasonal living. It's not just about decorating your home for autumn or sipping pumpkin spice lattes (although those things can be fun!). Seasonal living is a philosophy, a way of aligning our lives with the natural rhythms of the seasons. By embracing the changing pace of nature, I believe we can unlock a greater sense of wellbeing and connection to the world around us.
What you can expect from this week’s pause:
How I embraced seasonal living, and it changed my life, and how it can change yours too.
Guided journal questions to help you explore seasonal living.
Are you ready to dive deeper?
My free seasonal living guide.
How you can put seasonal living into practice.
I haven’t always embraced seasonal living, in fact it is something that I have practiced and cultivated over many years and today I want to share with you what I have learnt and how you can apply it to your own unique lives to help you feel more in tune to the most natural cycle of all: the seasons.
In our technology-driven world, it's easy to feel adrift from the natural rhythms of life. This disconnect can so often leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled. Seasonal living offers a powerful remedy to this. It's not just about trendy decorations or fleeting flavours of the season; it's a philosophy of aligning our lives with the cyclical patterns of nature. Life, by it’s very essence, is cyclical. Whether it’s the ever-changing nature of the seasons, the always cyclical moon, the changes of nature or our lives in general, we as humans experience periods of growth and learning, followed by phases of reflection and consolidation. Relationships blossom and fade, and careers rise and fall, mirroring the cyclical nature of nature itself.
This constant change, though sometimes unsettling for many of us, is ultimately what keeps life ever-evolving. By embracing these cycles, we can learn to find peace in the flow, appreciating the beauty of new beginnings alongside the quiet wisdom of endings.
So how can you start to live with a bit more intentional around the seasons?
The constant hum of technology and the pressure of daily routines can leave us feeling isolated from the natural world. This disconnect can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Seasonal living acts as a bridge, reconnecting us with the cyclical rhythms of nature that have always been there. When I think of seasonal living and how much sense it makes in our lives, I always come back to the same sentence: But of course.
What do I mean by that?
Well, mostly living seasonally isn’t new or radical. It’s a tale as old as time, a normal and natural way that humans have lived since the beginning of time. Our ancestors would have lived acutely with the seasons, with the lunar cycles, and with the intricate cycle of the seasons. Their lives were woven into these things in their day-to-day living and in order to survive. Rising with the sun and retiring with it too, in growing food to live off of and working with nature.
And then the modern world came along with all it’s convenience and it tore us away from everything we have always known. We now have lightbulbs and don’t need to rise with the sun and retire when it sets (although this is still the most natural and healthy way for humans to exist), we can go to the supermarket and get any food, at any time, in any season, just as a couple of examples.
But does that mean living seasonally is now redundant?
No, anything but. The important thing to remember is that we’re inherently built to live this way and it is the most natural way of being. When you embrace it you are embracing the very core of who you are as a human being, and while you don’t need to live like its the 15th century, you will soon realise how natural it all is, how much it makes sense and you too will think: but of course.
Because of course it all makes sense, feels normal, natural and how we were always meant to live. It’s because it IS how we are meant to live, and when you can live more in alignment with the seasons you will be able to tune into your life and who you are a little more.
What else does seasonal living offer?
Seasonal living encourages us to nourish our bodies with the freshest, most vibrant produce available during each season. Local, seasonal fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients at their peak, offering a natural boost to our physical health.
Additionally, seasonal activities naturally get us moving our bodies. Whether it's a brisk hike in the invigorating spring air or a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, these activities promote physical wellbeing and a sense of vitality.
Furthermore, seasonal changes can positively impact our mood. Soaking up the sunshine in summer can elevate our spirits, while cosy nights by the fireplace (or low light) in winter can provide a sense of comfort and peace, potentially mitigating symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
And how is it connected to slow and intentional living?
Well, I’m glad you asked!
Living seasonally encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Instead of rushing through life on autopilot, which is so common in this modern world.
We become more attuned to the subtle shifts in nature around us. Planting seeds in spring and nurturing them to fruition teaches patience and the joy of delayed gratification.
Seasonal activities can be a form of mindfulness practice, allowing us to focus on the sights, sounds, and smells of the current season. As we savour the fleeting beauty of a cherry blossom or the colourful bounty of our autumn harvest from our gardens, gratitude naturally arises. Seasonal living fosters an appreciation for the simple things and a deeper connection to the cycle of life itself.
Guided Journal Questions
How does your current routine reflect the changing seasons (or not)?
What are some aspects of your life that feel monotonous or uninspired?
What are some of your earliest memories associated with the different seasons?
What senses are most awakened for you during each season (sight, smell, touch, sound)?
Imagine yourself outdoors in your favourite season. Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings you experience.
Reflect on the gifts each season offers. What are you grateful for during the current season?
How can you incorporate practices of gratitude into your daily life to deepen your connection to the seasons?
Imagine yourself a year from now, having embraced seasonal living. How do you feel? How has your connection to the natural world changed?
Are you ready to dive deeper?
Feeling stuck in a monotonous routine? Does the constant whir of daily life leave you yearning for something more? You're not alone. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with the natural cycles that have guided humanity for millennia. But what if there was a way to reconnect with the seasons, not just aesthetically, but in a way that nourishes your body, mind, and soul?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to seasonal living and we all live such unique lives. My immersive seasonal living course is your gateway to a richer, more meaningful life. I'll guide you on a journey of rediscovering the magic inherent in each season.
This course isn't just about picture-perfect moments; it's about aligning your life with the natural world's wisdom. You'll learn how to rediscover natures wisdom and learn how to harmonise your life with the natural world. Discover the age-old traditions and insights that guide us through the year.
You’ll learn how to experience the joy of living in the present moment as you align your daily routines, meals, and activities with the seasons. Find inner peace and balance amid a chaotic world.
We’ll look at cultivating seasonal wellness, unlocking the secrets of seasonal nutrition, self-care, mindfulness and holistic wellbeing. Learn how to adapt your lifestyle to thrive in each season and feel your best year-round.
You’ll learn how to harness the power of seasonal eating, fueling your body with the freshest, most vibrant produce at its peak.
We'll explore the transformative nature of seasonal living and how you can implement it into your everyday life, no matter what your life looks like. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance, actionable strategies, and hands-on activities to help you implement seasonal living in your daily life.
This immersive approach goes beyond the practical. We'll delve into the philosophy of seasonal living, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world and its profound impact on our wellbeing. Imagine cultivating a sense of mindfulness through seasonal crafts and decor, weaving the essence of each season into the fabric of your daily life.
This isn't just a course; it's an invitation. Join me, and rediscover the magic of living in harmony with the seasons. Let nature be your guide, and watch as your life unfolds with renewed vitality, purpose, and a profound sense of connection to the world around you.
Are you ready to rediscover the profound connection between your life and the changing seasons? “Rooted in Seasons” is an immersive online course designed to help you embrace the ancient wisdom of living in harmony with nature.
Say goodbye to the chaos of a disconnected, 24/7 lifestyle, and say hello to a life in sync with the ever-shifting rhythms of the year.
Ready? Well I have an offer just for you. This course is opening for general release on Wednesday 20th March 2024 to coincide with Ostara/Spring Equinox for £97. But just for you, if you join the course before this date I am offering a special discount of 50% off so you can grab this course for £48.50.
Each module & lesson is made up of either video, audio or written content, so you can consume the course in a way that works for you. Also you’ll receive an immersive workbook, resources and founding member perks (that I will deliver straight to your inbox) to help you get the most out of this course.
Don’t delay, reserve this lifetime discount pricing before it goes away forever.
Ready for more?
Embrace the ever-changing canvas of nature. Trade the monotony of routine for the invigorating energy of seasonal activities. Imagine swapping your gym routine for a brisk autumn hike through crackling leaves, or trading screen time for stargazing on a balmy summer night. Seasonal activities aren't just about aesthetics; they're a chance to move your body, engage your senses, and truly connect with the unique rhythm of each season. So, dust off your boots, grab a picnic basket, and get ready to discover the magic that awaits you outdoors, all year round.
Grab this free guide to help you see what each season might look like when you immerse yourself in seasonal living.
Seasonal living isn't just a trend; it's a philosophy that invites you to reconnect with the cyclical heartbeat of the earth. It's about savouring the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom on a tree, feeling the invigorating crunch of autumn leaves underfoot, and appreciating the simple act of nourishing your body with nature's seasonal foods, and so much more. Seasonal living isn’t an aesthetic, it’s the most natural way of being and some simple steps can change your life perspective.
Embrace seasonal living, and watch as your life unfolds with a newfound rhythm, a deeper appreciation for the world around you, and a sense of connection that transcends the ordinary.
I can’t wait to walk this journey with you inside of rooted in seasons - see you there!
Until next time,