Taraki Punjabi Women's Forum reunited in February 2025 for a workshop on Working with the Seasons.
At the heart of every season lies a unique rhythm, influencing not only nature but also our moods and cultural perceptions. For many, spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, while summer invites us to bask in the warmth, energy, and extended days. But as the seasons shift, so too do our emotions, habits, and perspectives.
In February 2025, the Punjabi Women’s Forum met to discuss working with the seasons, in total there were 8 attendees. We came together to discuss how seasons affect us and some insights into how we can work with them, rather than against them in order to enhance our well-being.
For most people who attended the forum, women spoke of how spring and summer bring an uplifting sense of hope. As flowers bloom and the days stretch longer, the energy in the air seems to invigorate the soul. Spring represents fresh starts—an invitation to begin new projects, refresh relationships, and embrace the beauty around us. Summer, with its sun-soaked days, provides a chance to make the most of daylight, enjoy outdoor activities, and feel the warmth of the sun on our skin. The extended daylight hours encourage a sense of freedom and possibility. For those of us in colder climates, the long summer evenings are a welcome gift, offering a feeling of connection to the world around us as social events are often more common.
Winter, however, can have the opposite effect. For many, the cold months bring feelings of isolation, lethargy, and low energy. It’s common to feel the weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially in regions where temperatures dip below freezing, such as Canada, where one of our attendees joined us from. The lack of sunlight and long, dark evenings can leave us feeling disconnected and uninspired. One individual shared, “Winter impacts me a lot – I feel cold, isolated, and low. I’ve realised that staying active and connecting with others helps me cope.”
This desire to fight against the seasons is common, but there’s a growing conversation about learning to work with them instead. Winter, after all, is nature’s invitation to slow down, reflect, and rest. The cold months offer a chance for self-care, introspection, and healing—if we allow ourselves to embrace them as such.
One participant remarked that as part of their healing journey, they are starting to appreciate giving themselves permission to experience life without worrying about how they look or whether they are conforming to cultural norms, an example being too much sun exposure in the summer can darken their skin. In many cultures, there’s pressure to look “perfect” and “prim,” especially during the summer. But by embracing nature, letting go of these expectations, and allowing ourselves to simply be, we can find freedom and peace—even in the rain.
Despite the challenges, there are ways to stay upbeat and even find joy in the winter months. For some, creating cozy vibes at home can be a powerful antidote. “I shut down, avoid artificial lighting, and create a cozy atmosphere with candles and calming music,” one person shared. “Letting myself be quiet and not forcing myself to socialise is something I’ve learned to embrace this year in the winter.”
Others find solace in connecting with nature, even in the colder months. “Having a dog and walking it every day has really shifted my perspective. Come rain or shine, I have to go out, and it’s been a game changer.” Exercise is another helpful outlet, especially when the weather forces us indoors. While others mentioned that summer can bring stress about body image.
Tips for Working with the Seasons
Towards the end of the session, tips for working with the seasons and how we can shift our mindset and habits to better align with the changing seasons were discussed.
A few have been shared here:
- Recognise that everything is cyclical: Seasons change, and so do our moods and energies. Nothing lasts forever, and we can learn to flow with these natural cycles rather than fighting them.
- Seasonal Eating: Focus on eating foods that are in season, which are more likely to be nourishing for your body during that time. Eating locally grown food helps ground us in the present season.
- Ayurvedic Practices: Ayurvedic wisdom encourages us to adjust our habits according to the seasons. For example, it’s important to keep the body warm and avoid going out with wet hair in winter, as this can disturb our internal balance. However, some are experimenting with cold treatments like ice baths to build resilience—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about experimenting and finding what works for you.
- Cultivate Patience with Yourself: In a world that values constant productivity, especially in the 40-70 age group, it’s crucial to recognise that slowing down in winter is not a sign of weakness. It’s natural to want to hibernate and rest, and this can actually lead to greater strength and vitality when the warmth of spring returns.
- Create Your Own Traditions: Rather than adhering strictly to cultural or societal expectations (like avoiding going out in the rain or wearing certain clothes in summer), find what feels comfortable for you. As one woman shared, “I love standing in the rain now and letting go of the fear of looking ‘imperfect.’ It’s liberating to be true to myself.”
As we navigate the seasons, we’re invited to reflect on how they influence our mood and our well-being. By embracing nature’s rhythms and acknowledging the impact each season has on us—whether it’s the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, or the introspection of winter—we can learn to live in harmony with the world around us. And as we connect with ourselves and others in this way, we find that each season offers something valuable to our journey. The group ended on the note that, whether you’re dancing through the warmth of summer or curling up with candles during winter, remember that every season has something to teach us. The key is to listen, learn, and embrace.
You can sign up to future forums here.
