It recurs every year this want to hole up and hibernate. "Stoke the fire and get back under the down comforter," the internal voice says, "sleep some more, no hurry." As the days shorten, the desire strengthens. Add foggy, cold, or rainy weather and the voice turns ups the volume. "Stay home! It's the season to conserve energy and dream."
No, I'm not writing about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which symptoms may include depression, hopelessness, irritability, fatigue, social withdrawal, carbohydrate cravings, concentration difficulties, and the like. If you suspect you suffer from SAD, see a professional health care provider for possible treatments/therapies that may lighten your mood.
What I'm writing about is the longing to harmonize with the rhythms of nature for to be in tune, is to tap into its wisdom. In winter, it seems natural to slow down, to be still and quiet. However, to be serene during this season is contrary to how we have designed our lives. With all the festivities and holiday hustle bustle taking place it's hard to imagine decelerating. How inconvenient for some of us that right when nature says rest, society says run. During Christmastime, we've been conditioned to keep our pedals to the metal. We screech around corners on two wheels in hot pursuit of the perfect presents, the steamy smooches under mistletoe, the merrymaking cocktails with co-workers, and the fabulous food with friends and family. Even though we're at risk of getting a flat or running out of gas, we seldom let up on our accelerators. Heck, it's rare to take the time to roll to a complete stop let alone park.
Nevertheless, for those of us who are close to nature, the season may encourage us to crawl into our caves. Not because we're "ba-hum-bug" about Christmas but because there is a need for the regenerative powers of down time.
The human version of dormancy, turning inward, taking a break from external distractions is like giving the mind, body, and spirit a vacation. Once we're rested, once we've had enough quiet time, we can begin to dream and develop clarity of our purpose in life – which, quite naturally, is to evolve. Whether the quiet time we enjoy is in the wilderness, or the warm waters of our tub, is not what matters. The important thing is to allow for some rest.
This December, here on our wonderful Slo Coast - it's okay to remove our foot from the gas pedal and seek a quiet place to relax. Let's give ourselves permission to inhale and exhale some deep soothing breaths, melt into the furniture, and take a load off. Oh yeah, that's nice.
Sweet dreams.
