Tune in with the seasons: How to realign your life with nature
Do you know what seasons are? Of course you do!
Do you know that you’re part of them? Most of us tend to forget that truth.
We observe nature changing around us, but we ignore the major fact that we are part of this cycle and the constant change of nature and life. We are constantly hustling like hamsters in a wheel, and we forget our real needs… I’m not talking about the basics, like food or sleep. But even in these basic needs, we suffer from imbalances cause we’ve forgotten our true rhythm. This forgetfulness and ignorance are costing us our mental and physical health in the not-so-long term. The good news is that realigning our lives with the seasons is easier than we may think because it’s encoded in our existential core. It’s part of who we are… because human nature is part of Mother Nature.
Let’s explore together some easy first steps to help you start realigning your life with the seasons, because every great accomplishment always starts with a tiny first step.
1. Observe the changes in energy around you
Each season carries an energetic imprint of its own. Spring is all about renewal and new beginnings. summer is all about blooming and expanding. Autumn is about harvesting our achievements and letting go of what no longer serves us, and then we have winter, which is all about deep rest, reflection, and relaxation. Which season do you feel most aligned with right now? It doesn’t have to be the same as the external current season. You have full permission to honour the season that’s most aligned with your needs right now, even if it doesn’t match the calendar.
2. Set an intention that matches the season’s energy
There are no right or wrong answers; you can just try and align with the vibration of the season. For example, in spring, you might start learning something new or attempt a new beginning in any area of your life that’s calling for renewal. In autumn, you can celebrate your achievements and reflect on how far you’ve come. So instead of pushing through all the time, you can choose to align your goals with what is naturally supported by each season. Notice how it feels in your body when you stop pushing and start aligning. When I aligned my goals with the current season, I felt a deep relief like my whole nervous system was sighing out all the stress. I suddenly felt like I belonged more and a different kind of mental clarity, too.
3. Create seasonal rituals
Well, rituals are not pleasant for everybody, but in case you are a ritualistic type of person, you can add some seasonal rituals to your everyday life. You could start lighting some candles as days grow shorter, or you could plant some herbs or flowers in the spring. In winter, you could use your evenings for unwinding and relaxing in order to reconnect with yourself. These kinds of rituals offer more structure and meaning to your everyday life, and also give you a sense of progression and flow because you’re not living the same day on repeat, no matter what season it is. As a very ritualistic person myself, I love burning candles and different incense sticks in every season. These small, simple practices help me stay grounded in the present moment and tuned in to the natural rhythm of my system and the season.
4. Tend to your body’s needs
Whether you have already observed it or not, our bodies have different needs in each season. In summer, we usually need more movement and lightness, but in winter, we crave more rest and stillness. You can also adjust your diet and your sleep patterns according to each season. For example, I love waking up with the sunrise, which means I shift the hour I wake up around the year. And I have another example, which is sort of funny. I prefer my oats boiled in hot water during winter and autumn, but during spring and summer, I love them prepared overnight in cold water. When I realised that, it made me smile, but it makes my body feel good. Remember that your body is your home in this lifetime, and it’s your vessel to stay present here and fulfill your dreams, so I think it’s a good idea to start building new ways to communicate with it. Believe me, it’s easier than you think. Just give it a try.
5. Begin a reflection practice
Utilize the seasonal transitions as natural checkpoints to self-reflect. You can ask yourself questions like:
What has served me well this season?
What am I ready to leave behind?
What do I feel like I need in this upcoming season?
You can use meditation, journaling, or just sit in stillness. In that way, you will connect more deeply with yourself and find out how you will be better prepared for the next season and the next chapter in your life.
Which of these steps feels most nourishing to you right now? Of course, you don’t have to try all five steps at once. Start gently. Choose one or two that resonate first and see how it goes and how you feel. And please remember that your body and your whole system will need some time to adjust to the changes, so honour your rhythm and stay consistent. You will be thrilled to see what amazing results you can achieve by consistently applying small changes in your everyday life.
Realigning with the seasons of nature is all about slowing down, noticing, and living more fully in tune with yourself, nature, and the world. In truth, it’s an act of kindness towards yourself and nature at the same time.
If this idea speaks to you, I invite you to consider stepping into a year-long journey full of support, healing, and guidance like Inner Gardening, in order to nurture your inner world in harmony with the seasons.
You deserve to realign with the natural flow.
You deserve a life that feels less like a struggle and more like a dance.
