What Is Living Seasonally?

Living seasonally encourages us to slow down, tune into the natural world, and appreciate the wisdom each season has to offer. 

Whether it's taking a walk through a golden leaf strewn autumn woodland, packing a picnic and heading out to a blooming spring meadow, or cosying up by the fire in the depths of winter, embracing the changing seasons gifts us with a connection and gratitude for our mother earth we so often take for granted. 

In a world which is forever turning, constantly moving and always changing, we can always find solace - even in the depths of winter, by connecting with the timeless rhythms of mother nature. 

At Alice Stewart Jewellery, I love to capture the fine detail, subtlety and enduring beauty of nature and her seasons through delicate, understated and uniquely graceful heirloom worthy jewellery. You can explore all my nature-inspired collections here. 

Aligning With The Rhythm of Each Season

Living seasonally means so much more than just adapting our lifestyles and activities to the changing seasons and weather - it's a deeply meaningful way of life that celebrates the rhythms of mother nature. By honoring and aligning ourselves with the seasons, we can nourish our bodies, minds, and souls in a way that feels more connected, authentic and reciprocal in a world that has disconnected us from mother earth in our daily lives.

Nature's rhythms surround us, from the changing of the seasons to the ebb and flow of the tides. These rhythms can be a source of deep rootedness; by nurturing our inherent connection with them, we have the ability to feel grounded and resourced.

During the colder months of winter, some of us may experience feelings of sadness or lethargy due to the shorter days and lack of sunlight. Others may find solace in the slower pace this season can bring, allowing for quiet moments of introspection. 

In spring, as the weather warms up and the world starts to bloom, many of us feel a sense of renewal and optimism. The longer days and bursts of colours can be uplifting, boosting our mood and energy levels.

Summer often brings feelings of excitement, adventure, and the chance to finally spend plenty of time outdoors. The warm weather and abundance of sunlight can increase feelings of well-being. For others, summer can be unbearably hot and feel far too overwhelming. 

Autumn can bring a mix of emotions, as the days start to shorten and darkness edges in. We might feel a sense of nostalgia for summer or we might feel a sense of magic when the leaves turn gold and enjoy the anticipation of cooler, cosy days ahead. 

Our feelings and emotions can vary so much each season due to a combination of factors that are unique to us. If we can pay attention to how we feel throughout the year, it allows us the ability to take steps to tend to our needs cyclically alongside our mother earth. 

Eating Seasonally

One simple way we can tune ourselves into the natural cycles of the year is to nourish our bodies in a way that feels intuitive and sustainable. By choosing to eat seasonally we can enjoy the freshest, most flavourful produce at its peak ripeness, while also supporting local farmers and reducing our carbon footprint too. 

Including fresh, seasonal ingredients in our meals can provide us with the nutrients we need to thrive, while also connecting us to the earth and the rhythms of the seasons.

The greatest joy of eating seasonally is the opportunity to reconnect with nature's cycles, the passing of time and the tremendously diverse and delicious foods that our seasonal climate provides.

From juicy berries in the summer to hearty root vegetables in the winter, seasonal eating encourages us to savour the variety and abundance that each season has to offer.

Embracing Seasonal Celebrations

From harvest festivals to solstice rituals, there are many seasonal touch points throughout the year to connect with the changing seasons and the natural world around us. By learning about the traditions and folklore that have grown up alongside these festivals and ancient celebrations, we can deepen our appreciation for the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things.

Whether it's attending an autumn equinox bonfire or planting seeds for Imbolc, engaging in seasonal celebrations and learning more about the movement of the seasons can help us feel grounded and connected to mother nature. 

Days punctuated by night, the waxing and waning of the moon, the rhythm of the seasons and the movement of the sun: these are our building blocks of time, the raw material of almanacs, calendars, our human plans, our celebrations, our hopes and reminders of our intrinsic connection to the more than human world.

Each seasonal way-marker provides us with opportunities to pause, reflect and feel grounded in a moment. The traditions interwoven with the wheel of the year's turning remind us to be present and connect with the changing rhythms, allowing us to feel more in tune with mother nature. By immersing ourselves in these celebrations, we can create lasting connections that help us feel rooted. Whether it's gathering around a table for a festive meal or joining a local community festival, these seasonal markers can bring people together nurturing our belonging to one another and the land. They also offer us a reminder to honour mother nature, give thanks and express gratitude for the abundance she shares with us. Connecting with seasonal shifts can support us towards living in deeper reciprocal care with each other and the natural world we’re inherently a part of.

Connecting With The Natural World Throughout The Year

Above all, living seasonally fosters a deeper appreciation for mother nature and a practice of being in the present moment. By paying attention to the cycles of the moon, the changing colours of the leaves, and the shifts in the weather, we can take time to pause, reflect, and connect with our natural world, helping us feel more grounded and aligned.

Living seasonally encourages us to find joy in the small changes that mark the passing of time. It means feeling the shift from the ripeness of autumn to the stillness of winter, from the delicate blossoms of spring to the lush blooms of summer. 

By immersing ourselves in the natural world throughout the whole year, we can develop a profound sense of wonder and awe for the beauty and complexity of the world around us, even during the difficult seasons that we may struggle with. 

We can learn to appreciate the quiet moments of reflection that mother nature gifts us, knowing they allow us to reconnect with ourselves and find a greater sense of belonging and connection with the wider world.

Jewellery inspired by nature can support us to stay rooted in mother nature and her cycles. Nature-inspired jewellery can serve as a wearable token of comfort and connection to hold close to us as we move through the seasons. It is a beautiful way to stay grounded, and weave reminders of the ever-changing seasonal rhythms into our days.

Living Life in Balance

In essence, living seasonally is about embracing the rhythm and flow of nature, and allowing that rhythm to guide our choices and actions. By honouring the cycles of the seasons, we can cultivate a sense of harmony and connection that can nourish us on a deep level. 

Living seasonally is not just about what we do, but also how we do it. It's about approaching life with intention, gratitude, and reverence for the more than human world rooted in reciprocal care. So, as we move through the year, let's embrace the rhythm of our mother nature, and let her be our guide.