Seasons of Change: Spring Awakening in Both Hemispheres
By Dr. Betsy Greenleaf
There’s something about spring that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s the sunlight lingering a little longer in the sky, the sound of birds reawakening the mornings, or the scent of earth warming and coming alive. No matter where you are in the world, spring brings with it a sense of possibility. As a woman, a healer, and someone who believes in the power of transformation, I find spring to be a perfect metaphor for our own cycles of growth, health, and empowerment.
But here’s the interesting thing: while spring might mean tulips blooming and a shedding of winter layers in the Northern Hemisphere, in the Southern Hemisphere, it may be a time of harvest—of reaping what has been sown. And both are powerful.
Spring in the Northern Hemisphere: Rebirth and Renewal
For those living in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, spring is the time we emerge from winter’s cocoon. It’s the season when we open windows again, crave lighter meals, and feel the nudge to move our bodies in nature.
From a health standpoint, this is the ideal time to detox—not just physically, but emotionally. You don’t need juice cleanses or fads. Detox can be as simple as reducing processed foods, adding more greens to your plate, and drinking plenty of water. It’s also a time to clear out mental clutter. Let go of the “shoulds” and embrace the “wants.”
Empowerment Tip: Reconnect with your body. Start a new movement routine—not as punishment, but as a celebration of what your body can do. Whether it’s walking barefoot on grass, dancing in your kitchen, or trying a new yoga flow, let it be joyful.
Spring in the Southern Hemisphere: The Gathering and Grounding
In places like Australia, South America, and parts of Africa, spring occurs from September to November—but if you’re reading this now in April, you’re in autumn. This is a season of harvesting. Of taking stock. Of grounding and nourishing.
I love this because it reminds us that empowerment isn’t always about pushing forward—it’s also about pausing to honor how far we’ve come. It’s a time to check in with your body: Are you nourishing yourself well? Are your hormones in balance? Are you sleeping deeply?
Health Tip: Autumn is a wonderful season for supporting your immune system and digestive health. Warm, cooked foods—soups, stews, herbal teas—support the microbiome and hormonal transitions. It’s also a great time to start journaling or creating space for reflection.
Empowerment Tip: Celebrate your wins, even the small ones. Women tend to move from one achievement to the next without taking a breath. Pause. Reflect. You’ve earned it.
A Global Sisterhood of Seasons
No matter which hemisphere you live in, we are connected by our shared rhythms. The earth is always turning, always shifting—and so are we. Spring, whether it’s a time of rebirth or of reflection, invites us to check in with ourselves and ask: Where am I growing? Where am I grounding? What do I need now?
As a doctor who blends science, spirit, and a deep trust in the body’s wisdom, I believe seasonal living is one of the most powerful tools we can embrace. It invites us to listen. To align. To move with intention. And most importantly, to live fully—rooted in health and radiant in our power.
So wherever you are, take a deep breath. Feel the season around you. Let it guide you back to yourself.
Because you are nature. You are power. You are spring.
