Reading time: 3 minutes
In our modern world, we enjoy the privilege of maintaining the same lifestyle season after season, regardless of the time of year.
For example, we can buy strawberries in both winter and summer. Our sleeping habits can also remain the same year-round rather than following the sun. Finally, we can exercise in a gym at 20°C, whether it's hot or cold outside.
Generally speaking, the whole year can pass fairly evenly.
However, for thousands of years, humans have heeded the seasons and respected them by living in harmony with them. Humanity's continued existence today is largely due to the connection our ancestors maintained with the Earth and its cycles.
We are genetically programmed to live according to the energy of each season: today, living in accordance with the times of the year can therefore prove beneficial for our body and mind, even if it is not as necessary as it was previously.
If you are ready to reconnect with the natural movements of our Earth, respond to the signals that nature sends.
Whether dramatic or subtle, seasonal changes are felt around the world. Temperatures rise and then fall, days lengthen and then shorten, plants bloom and then fade, and animals become active and then hibernate.
These signs can help us adapt to each season, in our own way as human beings.
Spring
After hibernation, spring is a time when energy opens outward and leads to rebirth. Trees and plants come back to life, animals awaken and become active, days slowly lengthen, and temperatures begin to rise.
During this time of year:
- Set goals for the next six months
- Plant seeds in your garden
- Exercise outdoors
- Eat fresh, colorful vegetables like greens, radishes, asparagus, and leeks
- Clean and declutter your surroundings
Spring can be a time for renewal of body and mind, so take advantage of this source of inspiration.
Summer
With its long sunny days and thousands of colors, the Earth seems to be at its best during the summer.
To stay connected with this season:
- Live in nature as much as possible (e.g., eat meals outside)
- Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, just picked
- Practice outdoor activities or hobbies
- Take breaks (or an afternoon nap) to beat the heat
Let the summer energy fill you with vitality; explore and savor the moment.
Autumn
Energy turns inward during this time of year when everything slows down. The hustle and bustle of summer begins to diminish, and preparation for the colder months begins to manifest through shorter days, lower temperatures, and harvests moving deeper into the soil.
To adapt to fall:
- Try to have a less busy schedule
- Eat warm, cooked foods, such as baked root vegetables, comforting soups and stews
- Increase your vitamin D intake through diet (and supplements, if necessary)
- Adjust your bedtime to get more sleep
- Reconnect with your loved ones
- Reflect on the accomplishments and goals you have achieved over the past six months, determine what is working and what is not working in your life, and make changes if necessary.
Let fall come with a commitment to nourishing, comforting, and soothing the body and mind.
Winter
Low temperatures and long nights often make us want to hibernate. Energy returns to the earth; rest and recovery become necessary for the renewal process that will take place in spring.
In winter:
- Do gentle physical exercises (e.g., yoga and stretching)
- Increase your vitamin C intake to boost immunity by consuming citrus fruits
- Stay warm from head to toe by wearing hats, gloves, scarves, boots and coats
- Drink hot drinks
- Soothe your mind and body by reading, meditating, journaling, etc.
Take advantage of this time of year to recharge your batteries in preparation for the busier seasons ahead.
Living in harmony with the seasons isn't as simple as putting on a sweater in the fall and a swimsuit in the summer. The energy the Earth emits throughout the year can guide your inner needs if you listen carefully.
Try to consciously adapt, through small or large changes, to reconnect with this wonderful natural cycle.
REFERENCES:
https://www.almanac.com/living-seasonally
https://earthyvibes.org/how-to-live-with-the-seasons/