Seasonal living. You may have heard of it. You may have thought, what is seasonal living anyways?
Living in tune with the seasons, and feeling so deeply when you observe the leaves fall, the magic of that first snow, or those first sprigs of flowers popping up in the spring time is when you feel truly alive.
Acknowledging these changes in nature can help us feel whole and really thrive.
Following the ebb and flow of the seasons brings with it a sense of balance and calm.
Deepening the connection we have with the earth will in turn deepen the connection with our own inner spirits.
Resulting in happier, more productive, and more relaxed versions of us.
Seasonal Living in Canada
Often, gratefulness washes over me for living in Canada. This is the result of many things, because well, it’s pretty awesome here. We are lucky.
The one I am referring to now though, is that here in Canada we truly get to experience each of the seasons completely and fully.
From scorching hot heat, to snow, to the beautiful fiery colours of the leaves in autumn, we have it all!
And really, it’s a pretty magical thing.
Seasonal Living: Then and Now
For obvious reasons our ancestors were far better at observing and honouring the cyclical flow of nature than we are today.
These days, we are so engrossed in technology and the daily grind, that we have become quite disconnected from the earth; when seasonal foods are pretty much irrelevant, and we can have light any ol’ time we want (hello electricity!).
Our fast paced lives scarcely change from winter to summer unless we are on vacation. So many of us get up (after often too little sleep), go to work, get the kids off to school or activities, maybe get to the gym, clean, run errands, and on and on we go.
This really shouldn’t be the case and it doesn’t have to be!
Just because we are not all growing our own food and relying solely on the sun for light doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to embrace nature each and every day.
While still maintaining our busy lives, and yes even if you live in the city, no excuses 😉
The Wisdom of Mother Nature
We do, of course, have the 4 key days that mark the change of season, but nature is ever changing.
She is in a constant cycle of death and rebirth, of rest and vibrancy. When the cooler, darker months approach she knows it is time to prepare for rest so that she may be rejuvenated and ready when Spring rolls around once again.
Taking a page from Mother Nature would do us all some good! We all need to take that time to rest, rejuvenate, replenish fully, and just enjoy life and our surroundings.
Following the cyclical changes in nature can help us do just that.
So what are some of the ways to align your own rhythm to that of Mother Nature?
So happy you asked! 😉 Here we go, 5 ways for you engage in seasonal living every day:
Eating Seasonally
A most important way to bring nature into your home is through your food. And no, I don’t just mean when pumpkin spice season rolls around lol.
By eating foods that are in season you will be connecting with the earth, feeding your body richer nutrients, less pesticides, and adding much needed variety. You will most definitely be enjoying overall better quality produce than if you eat mostly the same things all year round.
Supporting your local farmers markets is a wonderful way to do this. You know everything will be in season (and often organic). You will also be giving some love to smaller operations, which is always awesome!
But even if you do all of your shopping at the supermarket, commit to buying mostly seasonal.
Have a list each month so you know what to focus on when you are shopping. And did I mention it will be better for your bank account? Just a nice little bonus.
Seasonal Living & Your Surroundings
We have all heard the term spring-cleaning, and a lot of us likely observe this little saying. We like to give our homes a thorough washing after the long winter right?
Though, it’s not just at springtime where we can involve our home in your seasonal changes.
It’s very good practice to give your home a bit of an update with the change of each season.
Do some deep cleaning, de-clutter, and spruce up your décor with seasonal elements. A seasonal candle here, a new throw pillow there, or a beautiful wreath on your door will all help you feel peaceful, and refreshed.
We spend so much time in our homes (especially in the colder months). They should have us feeling joyous, content, and calm when we look around them.
A good energy cleansing is also a beneficial element to include with each seasonal change of course!
Embrace the Joys of Each Season
Now each season has those hallmark elements that help them stand out.
The summer brings the beach and berry picking, fall brings pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters, winter has the holidays and skating, and spring time is the start of gardening season. Each one has so many things that make them unique.
Take time to get outside and embrace all that that your environment has to offer you. Whatever the season, find the things within it that bring a smile to your lips. Make sure to get out there, savour, and appreciate them fully!
Follow Your Natural Circadian Rhythm
Now this one may be hard depending on your job, current habits, and if you are not naturally a morning person (I feel you!). But if it’s possible, the benefits your body and mind will experience by observing this are plentiful.
Our body follows a natural circadian rhythm that is in tune with the sun and moon.
Our cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone) rise in the morning hours to get us going and motivated to take on the day and gradually decline as the day passes to prepare us for rest.
Waking with the sun and getting to sleep early enough to enjoy a full 8 hours of sleep will have your energy, your mood, and your overall health soaring.
Celebrate the Seasonal Holidays
Embrace the holidays and special celebrations that come with each season.
These will differ for everyone depending on many things. Which ones speak to you personally?
One of my favourites is coming up soon, Mabon! The Autumn Equinox is a very special time to me; you can learn more about it HERE if you fancy.
Whichever ones you observe appreciate them, get excited, and make the most of them when they happen.
Put up some themed décor, or prepare a delicious meal with signature foods to celebrate. Do a ritual that honours nature and thanks her.
I am very pro holidays and celebrations lol. I love putting up special touches around my home, having the quintessential baked goods, and attending holiday themed events.
Whether it is Samhain, Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, a birthday, an anniversary, or even international coffee day (yes it’s a thing), they are special to you for a reason, so eat, drink, and be merry!
Witches & Seasonal Living
For those of us that follow a nature based spirituality, being in tune with Mother Earth should always be the goal.
Our beliefs, our rituals, our celebrations, all centre around her. Alas, when we are not fully acknowledging the earth our manifestations, rituals, and daily magickal endeavours will be lacking.
If you think you do well in that area now, just imagine how much you could thrive if you fully open your mind up and follow nature in her steps.
We know following the flow of nature is a very powerful thing. Even still, putting it into daily practice (not just at the sabbats) can easily be forgotten in our busy modern lives.
Let’s try to keep in tune, honour, and acknowledge her each day. This can be as simple and stopping to smell the flowers or appreciating the joyful birdsong from the trees.
Mindful Mavens
Flowing with the seasons is an incredibly important practice of living mindfully.
Being aware and in sync with our natural world is a level of mindfulness that will help give you energy and motivation to thrive within each and every season. Goodbye winter blues!
This added clarity makes us more in tune with our own needs to remain healthy in body, soul, and mind.
A current trend these days is practicing mindfulness and self-care. This is a great trend and I fully approve. Self care is soooo important!
But we really cannot do these things to their full extent or reach their full potential without awareness of our natural world.
You can meditate until the next millennia, but if your rhythm is out of sync with nature you are only reaping a portion of the benefits.
Welcome the seasons, take time to get outside, breathe in the air, and remember to stop and smell the roses. Try it and see how your world seems to come together.
The benefits of seasonal living are truly endless!
Let’s Chat!
So, are you ready to start some seasonal living habits? Start a new bedtime routine? Or perhaps dreading winter a little less?
Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment, or connect with me on my socials!
And Remember!
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Seasonal blessings pixie dolls.
Yours in health and magick,
Krystle xo
