Ideas & Inspiration on How to Live Seasonally
by amy lupton
How do we connect and live seasonally in our modern world?
It is so easy to become lost in modern life where the only way seems forward, busy & rushed. Our society seems to live in an eternal summer, working hard — never resting— hustle culture— 24/7 access to everything. We don’t even hear the little whisper of our own heart anymore, because the expectations of the outer world are screaming in our face.
And while our modern lifestyle has given us access to many amazing things that we never had access to before, this constant access to society can weaken our connection with nature and the ebb & flow of the world around us.
When we connect and live seasonally, we become aware and embrace the seasons we each experience in our own lives, our own ebb and flow of life phases. Living seasonally can help keep you balanced, connected, stressing less, and being more present in your day to day. Small seasonal actions can have a big impact and don’t require a radical change in your lifestyle, although it can lead to bigger changes as you become more connected
Some ways to live & connect seasonally:
Watch & spend time in nature. It is so important to feel the seasons with your senses. See & smell, touch & feel. Take a walk and listen to all the sounds around you. This can help you sync with the season, and get the headphones out of your ears for a bit. :) Movement outside in the fall is a magical time.
Eat seasonally. Find out what produce grows in your area. Your local farmers and farmer's markets are amazing resources, they will typically be growing what is in season for your area. We can't advocate local seasonal eating enough. It supports your local economy, your local farmers and small businesses, and keeps what you're eating fresh. To find what foods grow in your state according to month, check this site out: Seasonal Food Guide
Plant a Garden! One of the best ways to see how nature shows us is to watch a plant go through a life cycle. It also brings joy, grounding, and not to mention fresh yummy produce. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, a few pots on the porch can keep you connected.
Participate in seasonal activities & celebrations. One of the best ways to connect & live seasonally is to find seasonal activities & celebrations that are fun in your area. Hiking, attending a fall festival, having a picnic in the fall leaves are all wonderful ways to move and experience the outdoors. We also encourage you to celebrate your culture each season by finding special days that you feel connected with. Even small rituals at home such as making chai tea, lighting a autumn scented candle, or making seasonal table decor can also bring the feeling of the season into your home.
Some celebrations we try to participate in to keep fall alive in the home are:
Harvest Garden Party & Autumn Equinox - We traditionally eat from the garden, have a celebration ushering in autumn. It's a wonderful outward expression that the seasons are shifting.
Michaelmas- Held at the end of September. This holiday honors St. Michael, and reflects on goodness and courage in the world by living out your Godly mission in life.
Diwali- Although we do not practice the Hindu religion, this holiday is magical. It is all about light, love & peace. It is wonderful to participate in this beautiful culture, and the Divine light that shines in us all. Also known as the festival of lanterns.
Dia de Muertos - This is one of our favorite holidays. This holiday celebrates with vibrant color and amazing remembrance all those who have passed before us. Food, fun, alters, music! Not to mention sugar skulls.
Thanksgiving - We love to come into Thanksgiving with amazing gratitude. We honor the cultures that came before us and try to move forward in loving and healing light for a peaceful community.
