Human beings have a relationship with the seasons that is nourished by a close connection with Mother Earth. Our bodies are in sync with these cycles and being in nature fills us with awe, gratitude and appreciation for the non-human world. At the center of my meditation practice is a deep respect for the wisdom of nature. Mother Earth shares generously of her natural intelligence as the seasons cycle through each planetary year. Daily meditation practices aligned with our reciprocal relationship with nature can bring harmony to our lives.
Spring is the season when new plants, animals, and other beings emerge from hibernation or are reborn. Everything is fresh and the energy of new life is evident. In nature, we see babies being born and spending time with their parents: baby birds, goslings, and butterflies abound. The meditation practices that align with spring are those that awaken gratitude and awe. Walking meditation and sitting outdoors are ways that encourage our relationship with the season of rebirth.
Summer is the season of heat and excitement as nature flourishes and grows into full form, much like when a child learns to run. Arrays of beautiful flowers, trees in full leaf and bees enjoying our gardens. Rivers flow abundantly and the sun is hot and bright. Meditation practices that align with summer are those that take place near bodies of water, such as sitting by the ocean and syncing our breath to the rhythm of the waves. At a lake or river, we can appreciate the flowing water and tune into how sunlight reflects off the surface. Everything around us is in full swing, and nature encourages us to be outdoors to honor our connection to Mother Earth.
Fall is when nature reaches its peak growth, and as the days grow shorter and cooler, plants and animals feel the pull towards dormancy. There is a crescendo that begins towards the end of summer and slowly peaks at the autumn equinox, when day and night are in balance. The nights and early mornings become cooler, plants begin to dry out, leaves change to yellow, orange, and red, and afternoon winds send them drifting to the ground, to protect and nourish the earth during the cold months. Meditations that mirror these changes center on equanimity and impermanence. For those who struggle with transition and change, Mettà, Karuna, and Tonglen practices utilize the heart’s ability to transform sadness into joy through the use of mantras. The Five Buddhist Remembrances remind us of the inevitability of transitions. All beings are of the nature to grow old, to have ill health, to grieve loss, and to die. Everything changes, from our health to our thoughts and our physical bodies. We grow in many ways as we experience the natural ebb and flow of life, and meditating with equanimity is a way to respond to these changes.
Winter is the season of quiet energy, monochrome colors, and spending more time indoors than outdoors. Trees have lost their leaves, and plants are settled into slumber. Our bodies, too, may feel more tired and heavy during winter. There are activities that help us get out and enjoy nature during winter, such as sledding, skiing, snowshoeing or simply taking a brisk walk. These activities help to clear the stagnant energy of winter, since humans don’t hibernate like some mammals. Meditation practices that help us navigate the dark days of winter can include mindful eating, tea meditation, or walking a labyrinth. Starting the day with a sitting practice is a healthy way to align the mind and body with the breath, as well as set an intention for the day. At the end of the day, a gratitude practice before bed provides an opportunity to reflect on the day and offer ourselves appreciation.
For those interested in exploring meditation in community, I am leading an eight-week meditation course at the Taos Public Library on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m, through April 29. The class is offered freely and will introduce accessible mindfulness and meditation practices.
For individuals and families seeking additional support, Mindful Frontiers offers online courses, guided audio meditations, and custom workshops that nurture inner peace, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
Anne-Marie Emanuelli is the founder and Creative Director of Mindful Frontiers LLC, a Taos-based B-Corp dedicated to community wellness through meditation. A certified meditation leader and labyrinth facilitator with more than 25 years of personal practice, she offers accessible mindfulness tools that support emotional well-being and social-emotional growth. Mindful Frontiers is available on the Insight Timer app, YouTube, at MindfulFrontiers.net, and all links are available on Linktree.
Mindful Frontiers LLC 