Graphic with “be easy. take your time. you are coming home. to yourself. — the becoming”

How honouring cycles and seasons can help us to live cyclically, stay grounded, and weather life’s storms.

Today I want to talk about cyclical living and how living in flow with nature can help us to find calm and connection during uncertain times.

As a collective, we’ve been through a lot in the last few years. My own life has been pretty turbulent. I’ve weathered the storm of a divorce, my photography business all but collapsing during covid, loss, grief, processing my adhd and autism diagnosis, a bunch of medical stuff… honestly, the list goes on.

I’ve had a challenging few years, as so many of us have. Alongside our own struggles, there is often the backdrop of distressing world events and constant news cycles. It’s no wonder that we can be left feeling helpless and ungrounded.

Cyclical living and hustle culture

We live in a society where there’s an expectation to reset every single day, to hustle, and to strive for consistency and efficiency. This consistency is required all year round, in all weathers and all seasons. If you’re someone who experiences a female hormone cycle this becomes even harder, as your hormones, and therefore your energy, fluctuates over a four week period. Not to mention the impact of things like trauma, illness, disability, experiences of oppression, and the impact of poverty.

I’m very aware that his all sounds a bit doom and gloom but I think it’s important to acknowledge the impact of the culture we live in though. We are required to conform to the requirements of a capitalist culture that not only negates the cycles of nature, but also difference. It’s no wonder, then, that we find ourselves feeling depleted. We’ve been forced to lose touch with ourselves and the rhythms of nature.

“Be easy. take your time. you are coming home. to yourself. — the becoming”
― Nayyirah Waheed, nejma

How can living cyclically keep us steady?

Imbalance happens when we are leaning more towards our active ‘doing’ energies. In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy this is known as ‘yang’ energy; active, dynamic, expansive and outwardly focussed. Yang is also connected with Spring and Summer. Yin, on the other hand, is an energy of rest, darkness, and inward focus and it connects with the energy of Autumn and Winter.

Our ancestors knew this and it’s likely that their lives would have been structured around these cycles. Their survival depended on knowledge of nature; when to plant, when to harvest, the migration and life cycles of animals. When we look to nature as our guide, we can get a sense of the natural balance between yang and yin, outward and inward, active and passive, creating and resting as we move through the seasons.

Awareness of the seasons and cycles within our own lives gives us an opportunity to work with nature. Tuning into our cyclical nature and rhythms allows us to ease into the natural flow of our lives, trusting that each season will come and go, with periods of inspiration and creativity, and periods of calm and rest.

I observe the Celtic / Pagan / Wiccan wheel of the year which observes 8 points, or Sabbats, over the course of the year. These points connect to the energy of the seasons. If you sign up to my mailing list you’ll receive a monthly newsletter where I talk about the energy of the season, and offer suggestions for rituals and reflections to help you to feel connected to nature.

Seasonal energy and the wheel of the year

In the spring, at Ostara and Beltane we can celebrate the energy of renewal and growth. We can plant seeds, tend to our gardens, and watch as the world around us comes to life. In the summer, we can embrace the energy of abundance and fruition. We can enjoy the warm weather, the longer days, and the bountiful fresh fruits and vegetables.

In the Autumn, we can honour the energy of harvest and gratitude. We can gather our crops, give thanks for the abundance of the season, and prepare for the colder months ahead. And in the winter, we can embrace the energy of rest and reflection. We can take time to slow down, to rest, and to recharge our batteries.

Connecting with the cycles of the moon

Another way to live in harmony with the cycles of nature is to pay attention to the cycles of the moon. The moon has a powerful influence on the natural world, and by attuning ourselves to its cycles, we can align our lives with the rhythms of the earth.

For example, during the new moon, we can set intentions and plant seeds for the future. We focus on what we want to create and bring into our lives. During the waxing moon, we can focus on growth and expansion, take action and work towards our goals.

During the full moon, we can celebrate our achievements and give thanks for all that we have. We can also release anything that is no longer serving us, and make space for new beginnings. The waning moon is a great time to focus on rest and rejuvenation. We let go of what is no longer needed, and prepare for the next cycle.

Overall, living in harmony with the cycles of nature is a wonderful way to connect with the natural world and to align our lives with the rhythms of the earth. It is a practice that can bring us greater health, happiness, and fulfilment. By paying attention to the seasons and the cycles of the moon, we can learn to live in harmony with the natural world and to experience the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Tips for keeping connected with yourself during uncertain times

Avoid information overload: have time away from the constant news updates and allow yourself regular breaks from social media
Check in with yourself like you would a friend: how are you really feeling? You can join our weekly check in over on Instagram to support you with this.
Listen to yourself. What does your body need at this point in the year? Are you called to be active and dynamic? Or are you called to rest?
Journal: keeping track of the ebb and flow of your day to day, week to week and month to month can help you tune into your natural cycles and rhythms
Forage for seasonal produce. Eating foods that you pick yourself is a great way to stay connected to the natural world and changing seasons. The woodland Trust has a great foraging guide.
Spend time in nature in all seasons. Embrace the weather and make the most of the day light all year round.