Karina Jaskova is a Nature-Based Therapist, Certified Clinical and Health Psychologist, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy specialist with over a decade of experience. She is the co-founder of the Society of Nature-Based Therapy Latvia and the heart behind the platform, Whisper of the Earth.
Spring is a season of transformation, a time when nature awakens, life renews, and a new cycle begins. As trees bud, flowers bloom, and birds fill the air with their songs, we are reminded that growth, change, and renewal are part of life’s natural rhythm. But what if this awakening wasn’t just happening around you? What if spring’s renewal was also an invitation for you to start fresh, set new intentions, and embrace change in your own life?
Nature’s cycles hold wisdom we can integrate into our daily lives. By aligning with spring’s energy, we can refresh our mindset, reconnect with nature, cultivate meaningful habits, and take the first steps toward new goals. Just as the earth emerges from winter’s stillness, we, too, have the opportunity to shift, grow, and welcome new possibilities.
This article explores practical ways to strengthen your connection with nature, align with the energy of the season, and step into a more authentic and intentional way of living.
Spring seed sowing practice
Spring is a time of new beginnings, making it the perfect season to plant both literal and symbolic seeds for personal growth. Just as a seed requires care, attention, and the right conditions to flourish, so do our goals and aspirations. This practice helps align our inner transformation with nature’s cycles, making growth feel more organic and intentional.
How to practice spring seed sowing
Reflect on areas of life you want to grow in. Consider which aspect of your life needs renewal: physical health, emotional balance, intellectual curiosity, spiritual connection, social area, behavioral habits, career, or environmental awareness. Identifying where you seek growth allows you to set meaningful intentions.
Choose a symbolic seed or plant that represents your intention. Select a plant that embodies the qualities you want to nurture. For example, oak trees symbolize strength and endurance, wildflowers represent curiosity and adaptability, and herbs reflect consistency and care. If you can, pick a plant that thrives in your local climate and is meaningful to you.
Set an actionable goal aligned with your focus. Just as planting a seed requires watering and sunlight, personal growth requires daily effort. Define a clear, realistic goal related to your chosen life area, whether it’s committing to daily movement, fostering deeper relationships, or dedicating time for self-reflection.
Plant the actual seed as a tangible reminder of your progress. If possible, physically plant a seed in your garden, a pot, or a natural space. Watching it sprout and grow serves as a visual reminder of your commitment and the patience required for meaningful change.
Track your journey alongside your plant’s growth. Just as you nurture your plant by giving it water and care, check in on your progress. Keep a journal, reflect on your achievements, and make adjustments as needed. Growth, both personal and in nature, is a process that unfolds gradually.
Aligning your life with nature’s growth
Just as a planted seed needs time, care, and the right conditions to thrive, different areas of our lives also require attention and nourishment. By aligning our personal growth with nature’s rhythms, we can cultivate balance, resilience, and lasting change.
Physical: Prioritize movement and well-being. Choose oak or bamboo seeds, which symbolize strength, flexibility, and endurance. Commit to regular exercise, outdoor activities, and a balanced diet to fuel your body with energy and resilience. Whether it’s hiking, stretching under the morning sun, or simply breathing fresh air, make movement a natural part of your day.
Intellectual: Cultivate curiosity and lifelong learning. Select wildflowers representing diversity and adaptability and set a goal to read, study, or explore new perspectives. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as listening to inspiring podcasts, joining discussions, or picking up a new hobby that sparks creativity.
Emotional: Strengthen self-awareness and resilience. Plant a sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) to symbolize emotional openness and responsiveness. Focus on self-care, journaling, therapy, or meaningful conversations that help you understand and express your emotions in a healthy way.
Behavioral: Build consistency in your daily routines. Grow herbs or vegetables, which require regular care, representing commitment and mindfulness. Whether it’s setting a structured morning routine, practicing gratitude, or dedicating time for meditation, small, consistent actions lead to lasting habits.
Spiritual: Deepen your connection to the unseen aspects of life. Choose lotus or sage, plants known for their spiritual significance, and dedicate time to meditation, prayer, breathwork, or quiet contemplation in nature. Embrace stillness and reflection as a way to connect with something greater than yourself.
Social: Strengthen relationships and community bonds. Flowers that attract pollinators like bees symbolize the importance of social connection. Reconnect with loved ones, plan gatherings, support a friend, or join a community initiative that fosters human connection and shared purpose.
Occupational: Set professional and creative goals. Select bamboo or vines, which grow steadily and adapt to challenges, reflecting career advancement and skill-building. Whether it’s launching a new project, taking on leadership roles, or refining your craft, embrace growth with persistence and flexibility.
Environmental: Deepen your relationship with the Earth. Choose native plants that support biodiversity and commit to sustainable practices like reducing waste, minimizing your carbon footprint, and nurturing green spaces. Small, conscious actions contribute to a healthier planet and a deeper connection with nature.
By planting both literal and metaphorical seeds, you cultivate a life of purpose, growth, and alignment with the natural world. As you nurture these intentions throughout the season, observe how small shifts create lasting transformations, just as a tiny seed grows into something strong and full of life.
10 spring nature connection ideas
Just as planting seeds symbolizes growth and renewal, integrating nature into daily life allows us to take the first steps in forming a deeper relationship with the Earth. While seed sowing serves as a powerful metaphor for intention-setting, truly connecting with nature begins with awareness, presence, and engagement. Before a meaningful relationship can develop, the first connection must be made. Spring offers the perfect opportunity, inviting us to step outside, awaken our senses, and engage with the natural world in intentional ways. Whether through mindful observation, creative expression, or physical movement, these practices help us slow down and experience nature not just as a place but as a living presence we can interact with. Here are ten ways to begin that connection this spring, laying the foundation for a more profound and lasting relationship with nature.
Blossom watch walks. Take walks to observe and document tree blossoms and flower blooms in your area.
Spring Equinox picnic. Celebrate the changing season with a picnic featuring seasonal, local foods.
Birdsong identification. Learn to recognize bird songs using an app or guidebook to deepen your connection to local wildlife.
Landscape photography challenge. Capture the transformation of spring through photography, focusing on growth and change.
Nature mandalas. Create mandalas from collected natural items like petals, leaves, and stones, embracing balance and creativity.
Outdoor mindfulness retreat. Dedicate a day to meditation, yoga, or silent reflection in nature.
Sunrise or sunset reflections. Make it a habit to pause, watch the sunrise or sunset, and journal about your thoughts and emotions.
Seed swap gathering. Join or host a seed swap to exchange garden seeds and gardening wisdom.
Outdoor fitness routine. Shift your exercise routine outdoors with jogging, cycling, or yoga in the fresh air.
Community garden volunteering. Engage with nature and your community by helping plant and maintain a local garden.
These small yet powerful activities help anchor you in the present moment, nurture mindfulness, and create a deeper appreciation for the natural world. These practices are part of The Aligned with Nature planner, your guide to deepening your connection with nature and creating meaningful rhythms in daily life. This undated planner serves as a year-round companion, helping you align with Earth's cycles while nurturing your well-being and strengthening your bond with the natural world.
Key features include:
Seasonal practices to help you align your mindset and lifestyle with nature’s rhythms.
Motivation and safety tips to keep you inspired and prepared as you spend time outdoors.
Seasonal meditations and nature connection ideas seamlessly fit into your schedule.
Weekly layouts to plan and track nature-focused activities, keeping you connected all year long.
Nature journaling spaces for reflections, discoveries, and insights.
Seasonal reflections and creative spaces for personal musings and expressions.
An End-of-Year Reflection Practice to help you review your growth and set intentions for the year ahead.
The Aligned with Nature planner invites you to explore the rhythms of the earth, nurture your personal growth, and live more intentionally with nature as your guide. Available in Digital, Printable, and Paperback versions on Whisper of the Earth and Amazon.
If you’re inspired to deepen your connection with nature or curious about nature-based therapy, explore more in my articles “Why Reconnecting With Nature Is Key To Our Health And Environmental Well-Being” and “A Beginner’s Guide to Nature-Based Therapy Activities”. These pieces offer deeper insights, practical tools, and science-backed benefits to help you integrate nature into your daily life. Spring is nature’s way of reminding us that change is possible, growth is natural, and renewal is always within reach. By aligning your habits with the energy of the season and engaging in seed-sowing practices, seasonal rituals, and nature-based mindfulness, you can embrace a more intentional and balanced way of living.
Read more from Karina Jaskova
Karina Jaskova, Nature-Based Therapist, Clinical Psychologist
Karina Jaskova is a Certified Clinical and Health Psychologist, as well as a practitioner of Nature-Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Since entering the field of psychology in 2006, she has been dedicated to guiding individuals from all walks of life toward mental well-being. Her deep connection to nature, nurtured since childhood, inspired her to explore Nature-Based Therapy and Ecopsychology, leading to the co-founding of the Society of Nature-Based Therapy Latvia. Through her platform, Whisper of the Earth, Karina shares practical insights to help people reconnect with nature, fostering personal healing and respectful relationships with the natural world while reminding us that we are an integral part of nature.
