For the past six years, I’ve been drawn to living in tune with nature’s rhythms, especially through the changing seasons—each with its own energy, beauty, and lessons. The Wheel of the Year, based on life’s natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth, has become a way for me to reconnect with nature and ground myself in the moment.
I’ve started a book of shadows or grimoire—not to scare anyone! It’s more about recording my reflections on the seasons, the small rituals I create to honor my journey and nature, and the life lessons I learn. This journey is less about religion and more about feeling connected to the natural world, which speaks to me more than anything else.
The Wheel of the Year recognizes eight festivals, marking turning points in the year—some celebrate the sun, like Yule (Winter Solstice) or Litha (Summer Solstice), while others honor the earth’s cycles, like Imbolc, Beltane, or Samhain. I don’t care about names in Internet, more about Latvian names and traditions. These times allow me to pause, reflect, and realign with what matters—just like my renovation projects or family commitments.
As I build my grimoire, I jot down moments that connect me to nature. These include the wind in the trees, changing leaf colors, or the crisp autumn air. It’s my personal way of honoring the earth and its gifts. Nature’s cycles remind me that everything is temporary; tough times will pass, and new beginnings will always emerge.
I look forward to sharing bits of my journey as I learn and find ways to live intentionally with nature’s ebb and flow. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you connect with the seasons and cycles of nature!
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
A fine philosophy; my daily blog contains elements of your grimoire
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Will see where mine will lead me 🙂
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That’s great for your mental health and if you keep them, they are great to look back on years later.
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I think I like the idea of looking back.
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Looking back is a part of realizing our growth, where it becomes a problem is when people get stuck looking back. That’s far from healthy.
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You’re so right! Reflecting on the past is essential for understanding how far we’ve come, but it’s important not to get stuck there. Growth comes from acknowledging the past while moving forward. Staying too focused on what’s behind us can prevent us from embracing new opportunities and experiences. It’s all about finding that balance!
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You have a great deal to balance. What’s your destress techniques?
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I live a simple life: forest, walking, long baths, romantic movies 🙂 What is yours?
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To sum it up, boring! I do love love my long bathes with dead sea salt and muscle relaxing oil. I enjoy my office, it’s decorated just the way I like it. I only leave the house on occasion because I have agoraphobia and can only drive 3 miles from the house. Whne I do leave it’s for a doctor’s appointment or a hair cut. My life has been like this for many years but my mental illness is responding greatly to a new medication so I’m not depressed, which is something huge to celebrate. I haven’t forgotten those days nor have I given up on them, I just make the best of every day. 🙂
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It sounds like you’ve created a comforting and safe routine for yourself, which is wonderful, especially when managing something as challenging as agoraphobia. It’s amazing that your new medication is helping with your depression—that’s definitely something to celebrate! 🎉
However, if you’re feeling a bit stuck or like life is passing by, maybe it’s time to gently push your boundaries. It doesn’t have to be a big leap all at once—small steps can lead to big changes. Whether it’s driving a little further than 3 miles or trying something new at home that excites you, these small moments can add up and create a life that feels fuller and more vibrant.
Stepping out of your comfort zone might feel scary, but it can also open up new possibilities and experiences you may never have imagined. Living isn’t just about staying within safe limits, it’s about exploring what’s possible beyond them—at your own pace. You’ve already made huge strides with your mental health, and who knows what other incredible changes could follow with just a few more steps forward! 😊 Keep celebrating those wins, and never stop believing in your potential for more.
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I have stepped out of my comfort zone a couple of time this ast two months by getting my big blender down and making cookies. We both have a sweet tooth. It’s actuallt time to pick another reciepe to try.
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For the next three nights I am staying in a forest.
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WOW! That’s amazing! I just came back form the forest with a basket full of chanterelles. I think I spotted some bear droppings—bears don’t come around here often, but still… I wouldn’t want to spend the night in this forest! Enjoy your 3 nights! Will you be camping in a tent? I hope you’ll write a blog post about it!
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No tents this trip.
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You made me wonder… I hope you will share it 🙂
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how wonderful, and I’ve always been drawn to nature, the earth, and its natural cycles
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That sounds beautiful! I feel the same way—there’s something so grounding about being connected to nature and its rhythms. It’s amazing how much peace and balance we can find when we live in tune with the earth’s cycles. Do you have any favorite rituals or ways of connecting with nature?
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i just spend time out in nature, taught outside when possible, and celebrate the solstices and shared with my classes. i’m retired and going to be subbing for an outdoor classroom near my house with young chidlren and it will be wonderful they so naturally take to the rhythms of the world
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That sounds absolutely wonderful! Spending time in nature and sharing that experience with young children is such a meaningful way to connect with the world. Kids have such a natural curiosity and instinct for learning from their surroundings, and it’s amazing that you’ll be guiding them through those rhythms. The outdoor classroom will surely benefit from your passion and experience—what a beautiful way to continue your connection with the seasons and the solstices!
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A fine idea, Ilze. This reminds me of when I would walk into the woods behind my Michigan home and sit on a stump for a while. Just listen and observe nature doing its thing.
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I can’t imagine living so close to nature and then giving it all up to live in Las Vegas—but I’m not judging! 🙂
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I haven’t walked away from nature, Ilze, the Mojave Desert is a very different kind of nature experience. I am here primarily for the very mild climate in the winter months, I can’t stand cold weather these days. Cold weather makes me sad and grumpy!
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Like any true Latvian – grumpy and sad. I don’t like the heat! I can’t stand it. Years ago, I spent a few days in Italy when it was 42°C—it was unbearable! I spent most of my time sitting in the shade, sipping cold beer to survive the heat.
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Well, the beer was good, right? 106F here today, the desert heat isn’t for everyone, Ilze. I enjoy it! 🤪🔥
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