How to Live Cyclically: Reconnecting with Natural Rhythms
As the vibrant greens of summer fade into the golden hues of autumn, nature is inviting us to slow down and reflect.
It’s the autumn harvest season here in the UK. It’s a time historically marked by celebration and community and is a reminder of the natural cycles that govern life. Just as the earth moves through its seasons, we too are cyclical beings—yet in today’s fast-paced, capitalist world, we often find ourselves disconnected from these rhythms. Now, as the leaves turn and the air cools, it’s the perfect time to consider how we can live more in sync with nature’s cycles.
We are naturally cyclical beings, yet we find ourselves living in a world that values linear progress, constant productivity, and speed. Capitalism, in many ways, has driven us away from our natural rhythms—our intuitive cycles. In this fast-paced world, youth is prized over age, night is turned into day, and out-of-season foods are available year-round. These artificial interventions keep us detached from the cyclical wisdom that surrounds us.
But what if we could reclaim those cycles? What if, even within the demands of modern life, we could reconnect with the rhythms of nature and our own bodies? Living cyclically in a capitalist world may be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here’s how you can embrace a more balanced and cyclical way of life.
Understanding Our Disconnection from Cycles
In the twenty-first century, we have become increasingly removed from the cycles that once guided human life. The capitalist model prioritises productivity and success over natural rhythms. For instance, we use artificial light to extend our working hours, manipulate the temperature with heating and air conditioning, and import foods from across the globe so we never have to wait for the next season.
This disconnection isn't just affecting our connection to nature—it’s taking a toll on our mental health. In the UK alone, more than 1 in 7 adults report that their mental health is currently at its lowest point ever, with a larger proportion of women affected than men (18.5% of women vs. 12.5% of men). In 2024, “how to reduce stress” was one of the most frequently searched phrases in the UK, searched every 10 minutes on average.
Despite appearing fine on the surface, many people today struggle with burnout, anxiety, loneliness, and fatigue. Behind the curated social media posts and upbeat conversations, a silent battle is often fought. But one way to alleviate this constant pressure is by slowing down and embracing a more cyclical way of living.
What is Cyclical Living?
Cyclical living means aligning with the natural rhythms of life—understanding that life is not a straight line of continuous progress but a series of cycles. Whether it's the day turning into night, the waxing and waning of the moon, or the seasonal changes, cycles surround us. The key to cyclical living is recognising these rhythms and adjusting our pace and expectations accordingly.
One beautiful example of cyclical living can be seen in the tradition of the Harvest Festival in the UK. Historically, the festival was celebrated once the final crops had been brought in, and the community would come together for the Harvest Supper. This celebration marked the completion of a seasonal cycle, acknowledging the hard work and the role nature played in providing food.
In our modern world, however, we rarely pause to celebrate these cycles. We’re driven by deadlines, quarterly reports, and constant achievement. Yet living cyclically is about more than just honouring the seasons. It’s a way of being that acknowledges the natural ebb and flow of life and encourages us to slow down, reflect, and recharge.
Benefits of Embracing Cyclical Living
Mental Health Improvement: By aligning with natural cycles, you allow yourself time to rest and recover, which can help reduce anxiety and burnout.
Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, by slowing down and working with your energy levels (rather than forcing constant output), you can become more focused and efficient during your peak times.
Deeper Connection to Nature: Paying attention to the seasons, the moon phases, and your own internal rhythms fosters a stronger sense of connection to the natural world.
Balanced Lifestyle: Living cyclically encourages a balance between work and rest, action and reflection, helping you create a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reconnecting with the Menstrual Cycle and Menopause
For women, cyclical living is deeply intertwined with their menstrual cycle and the process of menopause. However, society has long demonised these natural processes, framing them as weaknesses or inconveniences to be managed.
In reality, the menstrual cycle is a powerful guide to living in sync with nature. Each phase of the cycle—Menstruation, the Follicular Phase, Ovulation, and the Luteal Phase—offers different levels of energy and insight. Recognising these shifts can help women honour their bodies and their needs:
Menstruation is a time for rest and reflection
The Follicular Phase is encouraging you to step out and be visible again, welcoming new possibilities and projects.
Ovulation brings peak energy and creativity.
The Luteal Phase (also the pre-menstrual phase) invites introspection and slow preparation for the next cycle.
Menopause, too, is often feared or resisted, but it offers a profound opportunity for personal transformation. Both the menstrual cycle and menopause guide women toward a deeper understanding of themselves, helping them set a pace that aligns with their inner world rather than the external pressures of productivity.
How to Practice Cyclical Living in Modern Life
Living cyclically in a capitalist world requires a conscious effort, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few practical ways to integrate cyclical living into your daily life:
Honour the Seasons: Reflect on the changes that each season brings. In the colder months, allow yourself to slow down, rest more, and engage in activities that recharge you. In the spring and summer, embrace periods of growth and action.
Tune into Your Natural Rhythms: Whether it's the phases of the moon, your sleep-wake cycle, or your menstrual cycle, start paying attention to the signals your body is giving you. Adjust your routine to honour these rhythms rather than push against them.
Take Breaks: Build regular pauses into your day. These could be short breaks throughout your workday or longer periods of rest during the week. Use this time to reflect and recharge, much like nature’s cyclical pause in winter.
Eat Seasonally: Try to eat foods that are in season and locally sourced. This not only helps you reconnect with the cycles of the earth but also supports your health and the environment. If you shop online, there is usually an ‘in-season’ section on the website. Seasonal produce tends to be cheaper because it does not have to travel as far, so it can save you money too.
Redefine Success: Instead of viewing success as continuous output and achievement, redefine it in a cyclical context. Celebrate periods of rest, reflection, and renewal as integral parts of success, just as important as periods of productivity.
Reclaiming the Power of Cycles
In a world that demands constant productivity and pushes us to operate at full speed, embracing a cyclical way of living can feel like a revolutionary act. By slowing down, listening to the wisdom of our bodies, and aligning with the rhythms of nature, we can create a life that is not only more balanced but also more meaningful.
Cyclical living reminds us that we are part of something larger—connected to the natural world, to each other, and the cycles of life. As we rediscover this ancient wisdom, we can reclaim a sense of inner peace and fulfilment that goes far beyond the demands of modern capitalism.
Ready to Reconnect with Your Cyclical Nature?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into cyclical living and want to experience more balance, resilience, and purpose, I invite you to join my Women’s Rewilding Retreat Day on Saturday, 2nd November. This one-day retreat is designed to help you reconnect with your natural rhythms, align with the wisdom of your menstrual cycle, and nurture a deeper relationship with yourself and the cycles of life. Spaces are limited, so book your spot now and start your journey toward a more cyclical, grounded way of living. Let’s rediscover the power of cycles together!
Or, if you're looking for more personalised support, explore my one-on-one coaching sessions, where I can support you in reclaiming your cyclical power and creating a life that truly honours your own inner wisdom.
If you liked this blog, you may also like these too:
How to Tune into the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle as a Creative
Perimenopause: A Journey of Rest, Reflection and Reconnection
Rest: A Fresh Perspective Inspired by Katherine May’s ‘Wintering’
Photo by Frankie Takes Photos