So much of our conversation about winter is about how
miserable it is, but I started with the
basic idea that winter is good, that it can be used creatively, that I need to
adjust myself to its rhythms. And I read
about Roman soldiers who went to their hibernaculum, their winter quarters, and
did winter things. They maintained
equipment, trained, had time to socialise and probably time to think. It was a good time, an essential time both
for their own welfare and for the good of the army in which they served.
Some animals hibernate while others enter a state of
torpor when they sleep for short periods while food is scarce and they need to
conserve their energy. I do sleep more
in the winter than the summer but I don’t really go into torpor (still less do
I hibernate) but maybe nature tells me to conserve my energy a little in the
winter. I plan, reflect, sort things
both mentally and physically, and maybe reminisce with old friends.
Those soldiers of old maintained their equipment and I
am trying to ensure that when summer comes, I have everything I need to go on spontaneous
days out or to do things in my garden without fretting about things I haven’t
done.
I agree with you about slowing down, resting and reflecting during the short days of winter. That’s what I’ve been doing along with some hand sewing. We’re having visitors next Saturday and after that I will put away all the Christmas decorations carefully and give the house a good clean. I’m going to sit down and watch the Great Pottery Throw Down this afternoon and relax. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt's a better way of looking at the colder months, we sleep more and read most days.
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