The transformative guide you needed to help you embrace living Slowly, Simply and Seasonally!
The transformative guide you needed to help you embrace living Slowly, Simply and Seasonally!
What do you do when modern life doesn't quite feel like its working? Maybe its time to consider slowing down, simplifying your life and aligning your life with the seasonal rhythm.
How have we become so disconnected from our roots?
Why is living in harmony with nature seen as the alternative when actually it is the natural way for humans to live?
Why is the modern world so intent on disconnecting us from our true selves?
Want to listen to the audio of this post like a little mini podcast?
These are just some of the questions that often flit across my mind when I am thinking about not just seasonal living, but slow and simple living too, because they really all do go hand in hand.
I am so incredibly lucky that I get to speak with so many amazing people on my podcast (The Slow Living Collective wherever you listen to podcasts if you want to give it a listen) we come back to the same things time and time again.
The pandemic really opened people’s eyes to what was possible when we scaled back our lives and started living a more simple existence.
Once you get a taste of what slowing down might look like there really is no going back and it opens up an entire world of ‘alternative’ living.
The world we live in values productivity, it keeps us busy, it sells us on the want and need for more things, more stuff, and always guides us to try to obtain the one thing that is bigger and better than before. It makes us wear busy as a badge of honour and then sells us the remedy when we’re burnt out. Remember back to the pandemic, when we stayed home and life was completely pared back? Well, I am not saying that that was ideal, because it wasn’t, but it made us realise what was possible. When our focus was on how we existed between our four walls and our normal reliances were stripped away, so many people found peace. When the world was scheduled to go back to normal so many people realised that they didn’t want to go back to pre-pandemic life, that something that eternally shifted for them and had shown them a world of possibilities.
Now I am not glamorising the pandemic, but merely using it as an example of how our mindsets can shift entirely when we realise that sometimes the grass absolutely is greener on the other side. We just have to spend a few moments there to realise that it is what we were looking for all along.
Whenever I talk about simple living, slowing down, and living in tune with the seasons, people’s questions always come back to how they infuse it into their own lives. How can they slow down, how can they live more simply, and what does living with the seasons truly look like?
It’s fascinating when you think about it because that simple life in tune with the seasons would have been our natural way of living, it’s how we have lived for centuries but the modern world, for all of its conveniences, has disconnected us and moved us away from this natural ebb and flow of the seasons.
But there is a movement afoot, and it’s not a small one, more like a raging undercurrent. It’s people who have grown up in this modern world and are saying enough is enough. People who are no longer interested in running themselves into the ground, hitting burnout, and trying to live at 100% all of the time. People who are making a conscious effort to slow down, simplify their lives, and embrace everything that comes with that. When you slow down, simplify, and align your life with the natural ebb and flow of the seasons you begin to feel a connection to it all. Back to our roots, to our ancestors, to our past. We are connected to who we are and who we are inherently destined to be. It’s bigger than us and that is beautiful.
So, why do I think living in line with the seasons is the basis for everything with it comes to slow & simple living
Modern living has us more disconnected than ever and ensures that our connection to the seasons, and the natural ebb and flow of that, is impossible. For me, I don’t know if that’s intentional, so I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Modern life has us working at the same speed throughout all the seasons, it has us more disconnected from nature than ever before, and it doesn’t allow for any ebb and flow. Instead, it keeps us in the same monotony all year round. Imagine how more in tune with ourselves we could be if we were able to use our energy where it is naturally found (ie, Spring, Summer, and early Autumn) and allow for more rest in the darker months (predominantly late autumn and winter).
Let’s think about it for a moment.
In the winter, as we speed headlong into it right now in the northern hemisphere, we feel more insular. We spend more time inside, we have less desire to overschedule ourselves and spend more time coming inside. Coming inside to our homes but also ourselves. We embrace the cosiness of the winter and enter our own form of hibernation. But we have to do this alongside the demands of the modern world. Most people still have to go to work, on a fixed schedule and still have all the external demands of modern life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if life truly allowed for these ebbs and flows?
Because come Spring, we are ready for our rebirth and the world comes alive again. We have more energy, we are more vibrant and we have more desire to reach any goals we set for ourselves. This energy is carried on through summer, when we are in our season of light, when we get the most daylight hours in our days. Ancestrally we lived by the seasons and by the sun, so it’s no surprise, when you dive into living seasonally, that the sun plays such a pivotal role in our health and wellbeing.
Then when autumn rolls back around we begin to slow down and we prepare ourselves for another winter.
When you really think about it, how natural does all that feel? How amazing would it be if life was truly set up to allow us to better ebb and flow with the seasons? The modern world is so obsessed with how productive we can be in a fixed 9-5, in an office format that it completely disregards the fact that when we are allowed to embrace a better work-life balance, spend more time on the things that bring us joy and are allowed more opportunity to ebb and flow it actually works. And we are actually more productive as a result. It’s no surprise that trials of a four-day work week actually prove this very fact. But still, it’s not considered on any great scale.
All is not lost though, because more people than ever are reaching back to their roots. They understand the importance of slowness, simplicity, balance, and joy. They understand the importance of the connection we once had with the seasons and how it underpins everything about who we are and the way we are.
Once you understand this fundamental fact about how living seasonally isn’t anything radical but instead who you are truly meant to be then you are on your way to living that intentional life you desire.
Benefits of living with the seasons
Enhanced well-being: The intricate interplay between our bodies and the natural world is profound. It is a connection that can be harnessed for improved health. Aligning our habits with the changing seasons allows us to provide optimal support for our physical and mental wellbeing. For instance, during winter, prioritising rest and nourishing, seasonal foods can boost our immune systems, while in summer, engaging in outdoor activities and opting for lighter seasonal foods contribute to our health and wellbeing.
A deeper connection to nature: Embracing a lifestyle better attuned to the seasons enables a heightened awareness of the natural world. It is, after all, our natural ancestral state. From witnessing the initial stirrings of spring to observing the vibrant hues of fall leaves and embracing the serene hush of winter, this connection fosters a sense of wonder and reverence. Such a profound relationship with nature instills a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty and complexity of the world around us.
Heightened mindfulness and presence: Living in harmony with the seasons necessitates a deliberate slowing down, encouraging a profound sense of presence in each moment. When we align ourselves with the subtle shifts and nuances of each season through mindful observation, this cultivates a deeper awareness. This mindfulness practice not only reduces stress but also amplifies our overall sense of wellbeing, fostering a more enriching daily life.
So, are you ready?
I think a common question is: How can I align with the seasons and start to work on slowing down and simplifying my life, all while having to live with the necessities of the modern world?
And it’s a great question - because for most of us we can’t just swan off and live a life without limits. We still have work, school, parenting, and responsibilities. All those modern world issues that don’t always easily align.
So can it be done?
Absolutely. Let go of any hang-ups you have that you can’t change the natural order of the modern world, and embrace the parts you like and need to be part of. Living simply and seasonally is so nuanced, as is each of our unique, individual lives. Find the spaces between the noise and find ways you can slow down or simplify your life.
Living seasonally isn’t a thing you have to do, but rather a way of living, that can be infused around your everyday life. Once you learn, then start to notice and therefore embed these cyclical rhythms into your life it will become a natural way of living for you. You won’t be able to not notice, because you will have found the spaces between the noise to stop, look and embrace living seasonally.
The same goes for slowing down or living simply. The modern world and modern life will always continue to roll on, and it’s unlikely any change in this direction will ever happen, so it’s about finding that space between the noise of what we must do, and start to embrace what we want to do (or maybe what we don’t want to do is a more appropriate way of looking at that).
What does living more slowly and simply look like for me?
So often people just don’t know where to begin and for me it was just slowly disconnecting from what the modern world expected from me (where possible) and really leaning into the ebb and flow of seasonal living. Each of our lives look different and therefore I am always mindful of anything that says slow and simple (or even seasonal) living needs to look a certain way. It will look different for each and every one of us and I think that is the beauty of it, that it really serves us all at a really core level.
But, I thought I would share some of the things that led me along the path of slowing down, simplifying our life and aligning more with living seasonally, and what that looks like for us.
Living slightly differently in each season.
Being more intentional with my time.
Decluttering our home.
Creating new rhythms for each season.
Creating a morning routine.
Honour the seasons of the year.
Nourishing my body with seasonally appropriate foods.
Gratitude Journaling.
Be aware of old patterns.
Being more present.
Being intentional about what we consume.
Being a creator.
Mindfulness.
Cooking from scratch.
Allowing myself to be a beginner.
Embracing a home centered life.
Growing our own food.
Digital simplicity.
Simplifying our finances.
Adapt to the pace of the seasons and nature.
Learning to say no.
Rest.
Sunday Reset.
Eliminate to do lists.
Don’t always be in a rush.
These are just some of the things off the top of my head, I am sure there are far more. I would love to hear your list in the comments below.
Remind yourself that being constantly switched on isn’t normal or healthy. Take time to really embrace deep rest in your seasonal, cyclical living.
In a world that prioritises productivity over wellbeing, living seasonally is a radical act. But beyond that, it is also a powerful antidote too. When we align our lives with the natural cadence of the seasons and the world around us, we unlock new ways to support our physical, mental and emotional health. We are able to develop a profound connection with who we really are, who we are meant to be, our connections with the natural world and start living more in the present.
The best time to embrace living with the seasons and starting to uncover what slowing down and simplifying might look like for you is always now. Right now, whenever you are reading this. Every season offers a splendid opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature, revel in its beauty, and instigate positive transformations in our own, unique lives.
Living seasonally promises a vibrant and exhilarating experience. So, let's pause, observe, and adapt our habits to the evolving seasons, forging connections with like-minded individuals who share our passion for seasonal living. The profound benefits that accompany this lifestyle shift might just surprise you.
I would love to dive into this even deeper with you, and if you are ready to take the leap and build that foundation which you can fully jump off into seasonal, simple and slow living, then I want to invite you to join me as a founding member on my signature course Rooted in Seasons.
Rooted in Seasons is an immersive course designed to guide participants on a transformative journey through the rhythms of nature. Drawing upon the wisdom of the changing seasons, the course emphasises holistic wellbeing, nurturing a deeper connection to the environment and ourselves, and aligning daily life with nature's ebb and flow. Through practical strategies, reflective exercises, and insights into seasonal living, participants will discover how to integrate this ancient practice into contemporary life, fostering a harmonious balance between themselves and the world around them. Dive in and let the seasons be your compass, grounding you in a life that's both fulfilling and in tune with nature's timeless dance.
What does Rooted in Seasons have to offer?
An Introduction to Seasonal Living.
The Wisdom of Nature's Seasons.
Seasonal Mindfulness and Self-Reflection.
How to Create a Seasonal Home and Environment.
Nourishing Seasonal Food & Nutrition.
Sustaining a Seasonal Lifestyle.
An extensive course guide & workbook.
Rooted in Seasons officially launches in the spring, but I have a little offer just for you, my wonderful, loyal subscribers. Rooted in Seasons will retail for £97 when it launches but for my founding members you will be able to grab the entire course for 50% off, which means just £48.50.
And plus there are some extra perks if you join me now that won’t be available with the Spring launch.
EARLY ACCESS: Dive into the course before anyone else, getting a head start to embrace the teachings of seasonal living.
EXCLUSIVE PRICING: Enjoy a substantial discount as a token of appreciation for your foundational support.
EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ACCESS: Early entry to my Substack paid membership for life, meaning you will never be charged. This will help you foster connections with like-minded individuals passionate about seasonal living + everything my membership will include. Includes premium podcast episodes and content.
EXCLUSIVE WORKSHOPS: Complimentary access to additional workshops related to seasonal living, available only to founding members throughout the duration of the course.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS: Priority access and special rates on any future courses, workshops, or memberships.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS: Exclusive bonus content, including printable seasonal guides, meditation recordings, and seasonal recipes curated just for founding members.
INPUT INTO COURSE CONTENT: Your feedback can shape the final version of the course, ensuring it's tailored to address real-life challenges and needs.
DIRECT ACCESS TO THE CREATOR: Monthly Q&A sessions with me, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into course materials and discuss personal experiences.
Ready?
Thank you so much for being here, I am so grateful for each and every one of you in this community.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and also check out my podcast, The Slow Living Collective, wherever you listen to your podcasts.