In ancient times, life was tied to the land. People farmed, fished, hunted, and gathered. They tracked the migration of animals, cooked over an open flame, sought shelter from sun and rain, and followed the rhythms of Nature to survive from season to season.

Our modern lives are quite different. For many, meal preparation entails going to the grocery store or the farmer’s market, selecting pre-packaged or freshly harvested foods, and cooking in climate-controlled kitchens—often far removed from the source of the ingredients themselves. Instead of tracking the patterns of Nature—sun, moon, stars, and weather—we live by calendars, alarms, and schedules, with food available year-round, regardless of season.

This separation from the natural world has brought convenience, but also a quiet disconnection. We may no longer feel the urgency of a coming storm, yet somewhere deep within us, we hold the memory of living in harmony with the Earth. The wisdom of ancient rhythms—of planting in spring, harvesting in fall, and resting in winter—remains encoded in our bodies.

For farmers, Nature still dictates much of life. They continue to rely on weather patterns to guide planting and harvesting, observing rainfall, temperature, and seasonal shifts. Yet, even when farmers follow the same planting plan year after year—sowing the same crops at the same time—growth patterns can vary dramatically. That’s because Nature is unpredictable. Regardless of detailed notes and exact methods, a late frost, an unexpected drought or pest, or an unusually cool summer can shift the outcome entirely.

This forces us to adapt to Nature and its ever-changing rhythms. While we can plan, predict, and prepare, we’re reminded that Nature has its own timing and wisdom. By observing and respecting the natural world, and moving gracefully with its rhythms, we find greater balance.