Seasons and the Rythm of the Day

Spring, the village St Jeannet yesterday

I was born 100 km north of the Artic Circle, in Sweden, where there are four clear-cut seasons as far as my emotional memory has recorded it : mild, short summers with light day&night, crisp & colourful autumns, cold, dark and long winters and looovely sunny springs. From a very early age seasons came to play a big role in my life. I got used to living according to them when I grew up.

As I moved on in life, to warmer destinations, the seasons sometimes felt a bit blurred for me. However, there are always signs that there is seasonal change going on. When we lived in Aix-en-Provence , 4 years ago, one great way of experiencing the seasons was to look at the vineyards. We saw how the vine changed: green leaves in the summer, grapes ready to be picked in autumn, dry trunks in winter on which you never believed anything could possibly grow again – and then : fresh new leaves coming out again in spring! It was lovely to follow !!!

When talking about living with the seasons I would like to say something about food as well, because it so linked to each other. One of my big passions in life is food! The best is when we can eat what is offered from Mother Nature in season. I am aware that it’s easier here in southern France, than in Sweden…AND we can do what is possible with the environment we are in and what is available. For instance when in summer: indulge in strawberries , when autumn & winter arrive make stews with potatoes, onions, leeks and carrots- those comfort foods warm us up. When spring is here again be ready for the first asparagus and enjoy lighter meals!

When I live in accordance to the seasons I can feel my energy is flowing. There is little struggle and more flow. For example in summer I get up earlier and go to bed later- following the pattern of the sun…in winter I kind of hibernate and allow myself to rest longer. As a matter of fact, think of the timing of the day as well. Find the rhythm of the day that is good for YOU! Be and Do according to the time of the day. You can divide the day in blocks and think about what you want to prioritize in every block, what kind of energy you need. Spray every block with that kind of energy: perhaps mindful in the morning, alive-and-kicking in the middle of the day, sharp in the afternoon after a great cup of coffee? -Calm and yogi before going to bed?

I would love to hear stories how YOU live according to the day and the seasons!

One last thing, dark chocolate can be taken anytime of the day, any season...



Love and sunshine from inside

Yvette