While the cycle of the seasons does not have an end or a beginning, spring is traditionally associated with a time of renewal, new energy and beginnings. Early wildflowers bloom, young seedlings emerge from the warming soils and and, there is new life born everywhere.
The seasons are always in flux and therefore paying close attention to the world around you is a wonderful way to stay connected to nature. I have always found that when I live in tune with the environment around me, I am more grounded and present.
I grew up with the western traditional four seasons but have learnt by observing the world around me, that the seasons are never exact. Some years summer starts a little early and sometimes the Black Cockatoo that signals winter waits for the weather to cool. Different places will also experience different seasons such as wet and dry, and in other cultures and traditions there may be more than four seasons with very different associations.
This year the waxflowers and croweas lit up the bush from mid August and I heard the last of the Black Cockatoos around the end of September. I want to share some ways that I embrace the new energy and vibrancy in nature.
Nature Journalling
Nature journalling has to be my favourite way to spend time outside observing nature, being present in my environment and learning from the world around me.
There are many ways to nature journal and there is no right or wrong way. Head outside with a notebook and pencils, pens or paints. Sit down and take a few deep calming breathes. Spend a little while simply noticing the world around you. Then, you can choose whatever form of journalling you prefer. Maybe you will draw or paint a scene from what you see. You might like to reflect through writing or poetry the world around you and what lessons you can draw from it.
For me, nature journalling is mostly about spending intentional time outside and, as part of nature, seeing what I can learn about myself from observing the world around me.
Start a tea garden
Whether you have a weedy corner in your garden, a verandah or a window sill you can start a tea garden. There is nothing better than picking a few peppermint leaves for an afternoon brew, steeping some of your own dried chamomile while reading in the evenings or playing around with seasonal blends to support your health through the year.
Here are some of the reasons I love my tea garden:
:: I get to spend time outside amongst the dirt and the bugs, the rain and the wind.
:: I have a garden full of flowers and as most herbal teas are perennial and low maintenance, gardening is much easier than in a veggie garden.
:: I have access to herbs that will support my family through the seasons.
:: Iced teas in summer!
:: No microplastics or pesticides.
:: Freshly harvested leaves are extra tasty.
Making your cup of tea can be a mindful moment in your busy day. While the water boils take a few deep breathes and forget about all the tasks for a moment. Be present. Watch the leaves swirls as the water is poured over them. Notice the swirls of steam and the aroma that fill the air. Observe how the water changes colour and when the tea has cooled, slowly take your first sip.
Read our blog post How to Design your Tea Garden for some ideas and hints on getting started with your tea garden.
Make a nature-inspired vision board
This spring I made my first nature-inspired vision board for the year ahead. Setting intentions for the year in Spring has always made the most sense to me. The days are longer and warmer, from the roots energy is pouring back up the plants and I too feel excited for what the year will bring.
It was so much fun creating a vision board using found items in nature, drawings of the world around me and inspiration from photos online. You could also create a pinterest page with images from nature that reflect your goals and visions. There are unlimited ways to do this activity so get crafty!
Make a herb-infused facial oil
Often my the end of winter I feel dehydrated and when the sun start warming up my skin is dry. I tend not to drink enough water in winter because my body does not need as much as in the warmer months. However, this means that by Spring I reach for a deeply hydrating facial oil and hydrosol to refresh my skin.
Creating a herb-infused facial oil is super simple and a great way to used some of those plants growing in your tea garden. Essentially all you need is a base carrier oil and some dried herbs.
Add dried herbs to the oil in 1:10 ratio (e.g. 10g herbs to 100mL oil). Seal and place in dark storage, shaking them every few days for 2-3 weeks. Strain the herbs out with a fine cheesecloth or mesh sieve. Your facial oil is now ready to use.
You can make a few herb infused oils and combine them for broadspectrum use. Adding essential oils for scent is a wonderful way to customise your facial oil to your preference. Add 20-40 drops per 100mL (or around 4-6 drops per tbsp). If adding essential oils, allow the final facial oil to rest for 48-72 hours to allow the essential oils to blend in before first use.
Base carrier oils
Jojoba oil- lightweight
Sweet Alomnd oil- deeply moisurizes
Rosehip oil- brightens
Hemp Seed oil- omega fatty acids + calms redness
Herbs
Lavender
Chamomile
Calendula
Rose petals
Optional: essential oils include geranium, lavender, frankincense, clary sage, sandalwood, rose, sweet marjoram.
Go for a wildflower walk
In the bush around me, the wildflower have bloomed and turned the landscape into a rainbow of colours. The plants are putting their energy into their blossoms before they need to rest to survive the heat and dryness of the summer sun.
This is the best time of year to venture out on a bushwalk or hike while the temperature is mild and the bush is putting on a show. Go on a favourite hike and look out for all the signs of spring around you. Or, find a new walk nearby and explore get to know more of the world around you. There are some amazing online resources of walks and blogs describing locate hidden gems so get researching, pull on you boots and sun hat, grab a water bottle and spend some time in nature amongst the wildflowers.
:: Wherever your are, I hope you are inspired to spend a little more time in nature this Spring ::