Why Seasonal Awareness Matters

Life in our world moves fast. It can oftentimes feel artificial and disconnected from the natural rhythms that once guided us. Yet, the Earth continues its cycles—day and night, waxing and waning moon, spring growth, winter rest. Noticing these rhythms can help us reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. It can give us insight, purpose, and provide a spiritual tether.

Tuning into the seasons is not about rigid rules or perfect alignment; it’s about curiosity and gentle observation. As someone who’s been living this way day in and day out for years, every season I still learn something new. By noticing both external shifts (like weather, plants, and animals) and internal shifts (your energy, mood, and body) you can cultivate a deeper sense of timing, balance, and ease in your life.

Approach this with curiosity, not pressure. Every observation is a step toward reconnecting with the natural flow of life. There’s no right or wrong way to practice this; what matters is that you’re showing up, and connecting with your ecosystem. Take it from me, if you push yourself with expectations, you’ll burn out from this practice. Get curious, journal, meditate, and sit with the trees often.

The Seasons Beyond Temperature

Seasons are way more than weather changes. Each carries unique energetic qualities that influence our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

By seeing seasons as energetic guides, we can better understand our own internal rhythms and make choices that support balance and flow. It allows us to better expect rest, times of vitality, and when to expect portals into new territory.

The equinoxes and solstices act as celestial pivots along the year’s cycle:

Spring Equinox: around March 20-21, day and night are equal. This marks Spring’s energy, a time for new ideas, awakening, and growth. This is the season of emerging possibilities, of planting seeds—both literally and metaphorically.
Summer Solstice: around June 20-21, the day is longest. Summer energy is at its peak! Think expansion, social energy, and outward movement flourish. Energy is high, connections flourish, and creativity bursts forth.
Autumn Equinox: around September 22-23, day and night balance again. Autumn invites reflection, harvesting what is ready, and letting go of what no longer serves. This prepares us for the inward turn coming.
Winter Solstice: around December 21-22, the shortest day of the year. Winter energy is inward, restorative, and reflective, calling for rest and restoration. Energy slows, introspection deepens, and the body and mind recover for the next cycle.

Noticing External Shifts

Nature is a mirror for our own cycles. Sometimes, our personal seasons don’t reflect our ecosystem. You might live somewhere that doesn’t really experience the hardening of winter, or perhaps you have a shorter summer than what’s typical around the world. What matters is paying attention to external shifts; that way, you can deepen self-awareness and help yourself live in rhythm with the world.

Consider observing:

Plants: buds, blooms, leaves falling, seeds ripening
Sunlight: changes in sunrise, sunset, and day length
Weather: shifts in temperature, wind patterns, or seasonal storms
Animals & birds: migration, hibernation, mating or nesting behaviors

Keeping a seasonal journal, or jotting down your observations in your daily journal, can help you connect these external changes to your own life. Over time, you may notice patterns and rhythms in nature that echo your energy and emotions.

For instance, when certain flowers bloom, or special critters start to come around, that tells me what season we’re in, and gives me even more insight into the archetypes they bring. My favorite example is daffodils, when their green bodies start to shoot up from the ground, I know the stillness of winter is coming to an end. When they bloom, I’m spending more time outside soaking in the long-lost warmth. Their flowers truly give me joy and remind me that the Sun is returning.

Noticing Internal Shifts

Just as the world around us shifts, so do we. Tuning into our internal seasons allows us to respond to life more gracefully:

Energy levels: you may feel more active in Spring or Summer and slower in Autumn or Winter
Mood patterns: notice how your emotions rise or fall with seasonal changes
Sleep, appetite, digestion: your body may crave different rhythms or foods depending on the season
Social rhythms: some seasons encourage connection, others invite solitude

Try simple check-ins: a morning body scan, journaling a few lines about your energy and mood, mindful breathing, or seasonal reflection prompts.

In our household, we’ve decided to eat seasonally, as we believe that seasonal foods hold innate intelligence. They know what our bodies are craving that time of year, and can supplement as such. I acknowledge that choosing this way of life is a stance of privilege, and it’s not something everyone can do. But, I do encourage you to rotate foods when you can, and experiment with this practice when possible.

Practical Ways to Align with the Seasons

Integrating seasonal awareness into daily life can be simple and nurturing. Some ideas include:

Adjust routines: align sleep, movement, and work/rest cycles with seasonal energy
Seasonal foods: eat meals that honor the flavors and abundance of the current season
Herbal support: incorporate herbs that support your nervous system, energy, or digestion
Rituals or mini-celebrations: mark seasonal markers with small gestures or intentional practices

Optional tip: Pick one small practice this week to honor the season—a walk outdoors, a seasonal meal, or a simple ritual to mark the current energy. Experimentation is encouraged; there is no wrong way to engage.

Conclusion: Moving Through Life in Rhythm

Life is cyclical, not linear. By noticing external and internal shifts, we can live with greater awareness, ease, and alignment. This practice is not a performance; it’s a gentle journey of attunement.

If you feel called to explore further, you might enjoy:

Astrology & The Four Seasons – Understanding how planetary rhythms interact with the energy of each season.
Lunar Cycles: A Practice – Finding flow with the ever-changing cycles of the moon.
Seasonal Homestead & Lifestyle – Practical ways to live in harmony with the land, your home, and your body’s natural rhythm.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Courtney, the voice behind Seasons of Self and the owner of The Cosmic Craft. I’ve been featured in printed publications & popular online platforms like Yahoo!, Bustle, and Pride. I’m an astroherbalist, educator, writer, and guide devoted to helping people navigate life’s changes with more steadiness and self-trust. Rooted in seasonal living, astrology, and plant wisdom, my work is shaped by a deep belief that growth happens in cycles, not straight lines. Through this newsletter, I share reflections, tools, and practices that support renewal and transformation, all while honoring accessibility, curiosity, and care. This is a space for slowing down, listening inward, and learning to live in rhythm with your own timing.

References:

American Heart Association. (2024). Why seasonal eating can be a healthy delight.
Gasper-Barbi, E., et al. (2023). Seasonal variation in dietary intake and energy balance: A narrative review.Frontiers in Nutrition

Embracing Seasonal Awareness | Part 2: Noticing the subtle shifts in the world and your own life.