Hibernation Mode Activated

As 2020 dawned, I noticed a trend on social media.  Rather than disclosing their new year resolutions, folks were sharing their "intention words," or a chosen theme for the year.  I tried, but the only thing that I could muster up was "cozy."  I've also been somewhat obsessed with cozy things:  sitting under my blanket on the couch in front of the fireplace; squishy, fuzzy pillows; hot coffee before a cold run; hot coffee after a cold run; wearing only soft, fleecy things while at home, and trying my darndest to get away with it in public, also.

It makes sense, when you think about it.  

 When I was a child, I had two pet tortoises, Fred, and Freda.  They lived outside in a pen, and as winter approached, we had to box them up for hibernation (now that I'm writing this, I'm not sure that any of this was ok, but this was the 70's and we know better now.)  As young as I was, I started to think that hibenation seemed like a pretty good deal.  I created mental images of spending the winter down deep in a burrow lined with hay, with a fireplace, a bed, a rocking chair, and a lot of books. 

Later in life, I decided that I had Seasonal Affective Disorder, because I consistently felt low, depleted, and unmotivated during the deep winter months.  These days, I spend way more time surrounded by, and feel more connected to nature.  I'm now convinced that to slow down, withdraw, turn within, rest, reflect, rejuvenate and re-energize in preparation for a new season of activity and growth, is simply a natural state for humans, as it is for the trees, plants, birds, animals, and insects.

I absolutely love the concept of an adapted - for - humans hibernation! The bodies of insects, birds, and animals move in to a state of dormancy in the dark, cold winter months.  We can't all fly south for the winter, so the non-migrating animals and birds hibernate or retreat to sheltered areas, while their metabolism slows drastically to conserve energy needed during times of scarce resources (come to think of it, I think my metabolism slows drastically in the winter, too! 😂) Plants, do the same, as the living part of the plant remains deep in the ground, and photosynthesis slows considerably, just waiting for ideal growing conditions to arrive again. So, it seems reasonable to conclude that human bodies would naturally retreat in some way, also. 

Winter is not only the ideal time, given the weather conditions, but it is the natural time to rest up, to take a step back, to reflect and to get ready for another busy spring full of life, activity, and growth. 

So, here it is:  your permission to hibernate. 

We can't grow without adequate rest.  This is true, whether you're training for a marathon, or actually, physically growing as little humans do.  Remember the growth spurts, how much those teens ate and slept? (For you younger parents, get ready, it's coming...) Permission to find some serenity and get some rest.

We need rest, but we can't necessarily stop.  It's OK to slow down.  Get some things checked off the list, but don't add new things.  Step back from obligation.  Permission to slow down. 

In taking a step back, it's cool to say "no" once in a while.  Some of us are uncomfortable with that because we feel like we let people down when we say "no."  It's also true that we can be letting ourselves down when we say "yes" too easily.  Resting, slowing down, stepping back... it's time to prioritize.  Animals in hibernation are not necessarily rejuvenating their minds, but they are rejuvenating their bodies.  It's time to focus on our health.  Good nutrition, hydration, plenty of sleep, gentle exercise, and, perhaps most importantly, self-compassion.  Permission to say "no."

The more we experience, the more we sadly realize how fragile life truly is. We have today, we have right now, and we are promised nothing more. Some slow reflection time in the winter months enables us to be more mindful.  Believe me when I tell you that practicing mindfulness will improve your quality of life. It just will. Permission to live, to love, and to find joy in your moments.

As always, toss the guilt.  Taking care of yourself is far from selfish.  Taking care of yourself ensures that you are adequately strengthened and prepared to help and serve others.  Put your own oxygen mask on first... you can't pour from an empty cup... take care of you.  💖