We live in a world governed by the phases of the moon, the change of the seasons, and the ebb and flow of the tides. As individuals, our lives are intricately woven into this fabric of nature and are influenced too by the cycles of menstruation. In modern culture, we’ve become disconnected from these rhythms; chasing an eternal summer of year-round warmth and an unyielding pursuit of success. We shop at grocery stores that supply fruits and vegetables imported from every corner of the globe, irrespective of the season. We’ve moved away from our roots which was once a more intuitive way of life, connected to the earth.
Summer - Embrace Liveliness
Summer marks its arrival with flowers in bloom and the buzz of cicadas. Longer days and warmer nights fuel us with the energy and capacity to socialize, enjoy the outdoors and stay up later. We sweat more, so we should hydrate more - pop some electrolytes in your water bottle each day. Our bodies tolerate cooling foods so enjoy fruits, salads, smoothies, juices, raw veggies and herbs like dill, coriander, aloe vera, peppermint, lavender and chamomile. It’s also time to ferment so stock up on coconut water kefir and sauerkraut. When it comes to exercise your muscles are warm so embrace more intense exercise in the cooler hours. Try swimming, hiking, running, CrossFit or a vinyasa flow. Cold therapy and ice baths are in!
Autumn - Embrace Transition
As Summer fades to Autumn, it’s natural to feel the gregarious energy turn inward. Finish off any projects and carve out space to be present in nature. Pay attention to the changing colours and take deep breaths of autumn air. In Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the lungs. Try making your own Elderberry syrup and medicinal mushroom tea. Home-cooked meals are in order. Chew slowly and include warmer dishes like stewed apples and pears. Licorice, Marshmallow root, Yarrow and Mullein support lung health and boost immunity for the coming Winter. It’s normal to miss a few days of exercise as mornings become cooler. Swap runs for walks and solo weight training over competitive sports to honour the slightly slower pace of Autumn.
Winter - Embrace Stillness
Winter encourages reflection and hibernation. Shorter days and colder temperatures lead to a slower pace of life. A time for self-care. It’s OK to sleep, rest and eat more. Our digestive fire is high so avoid raw food and enjoy comfort food. Think slow-cooked meals, bone broths, root vegetables, soups, roasts and porridges. Heavier dinners can help with sleep. Your muscles are colder so training may feel tough. Listen to your body and give yourself some grace here. It’s a period of self-care so include meditation, tai chi, saunas and yin yoga. Herbal teas and meals with ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are perfect.
Spring - Embrace Renewal
As we emerge from winter, spring brings a time of renewal and rebirth. It's time to open the window and let the fresh air in. Energy levels rise with the warming days and it’s the perfect time to plant seeds of intention or set in motion new projects. Tune into the bird songs at dawn and hop out of bed earlier. Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. You’ll start to notice flowers blooming in nature, so why not follow suit? Spring is for clearing out the old and shedding the layers of winter. Start to include lighter meals, some raw foods, more spices and stronger flavours. Bitter veggies like broccoli, cabbage, kale, beetroot, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are in season. These are great for digestion and liver health. As days warm up, exercise a little more intensely. It's time to leave the cave. Head outdoors for a jog, brisk walk, or ocean swim. Use plant medicine to spring-clean your body. Nettle, Milk thistle, Globe artichoke and Dandelion root prepare you for the Summer indulgence.
Living In Harmony
By aligning our lifestyle with the changing seasons, we can experience more vitality. Simple adjustments in diet, exercise, and mindset allow us to flow with the natural rhythms of life. When we heed our body's signals and embrace the essence of each season, we’re more likely to thrive in the next and avoid the disharmony that yields ill health.