Precious Living Stones: Winter: A Season of Hibernation

I have found the last couple of winters to be very difficult for me. I wouldn't say I have a classic case of Seasonal Affective Disorder but I would say that the lack of sunlight and vitamin D wreak some havoc with my body. I end up having insomnia during the winter months, and this has and is taking a toll on me! The last two weeks in particular have been rough with sleepless nights. The city I live in tends to have quite a bit of dark days during the winter: so I started on some high levels of Vitamin D, some fish oil and a very good Cal/Mag. I also try to get outside, whether it's a walk with our lab, or a jaunt around the backyard or neighbourhood. I just find the winter months so hard that I have decided to be proactive about how to manage it this year. I enrolled in a Hibernation Course with a friend of mine, which starts in January. It's essentially on line retreat geared to nourish, rest, and create throughout this season. As I started to think about this concept, I realised this is how I needed to approach this entire season. I am always in a hurry for winter to be over and spring to come, I feel uptight, and anxious longing for the spring and summer. Physically, I am doing what I can but emotionally, I need to look at things differently. I came across a quote the other day that impacted me. "Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action." ~ Ralph Ellison This is how I will use this time to prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually. I won't be in a hurry or complain about the dark days, I will find the beauty in them and through them. I will learn to sow through this season, as I embrace it.

I am taking part in the Documented Life Project as well. I finished my cover a couple weeks ago, it depicts every season of the year. I decided to paint the cover to reflect the word I have chosen for this year. I also wanted my cover to invite me to sit down and do some art, to create as I sow through this winter season of hibernation! I finished the inside of my journal today. I can not tell you how good this has been for me at this time. Expressing myself through the art, taking the time to create and enjoy. It has been so incredible. I needed this. I have always loved art and form but never really embraced it or tried it on for myself. On the inside of my journal I painted a tree along with a quote I loved. " Preparation is never lost time. The seeds you plant today will bring Harvest tomorrow." ~ Sarah Wehrli. This is how I see this year.

The next page depicts a snowy winter scene with the quote I mentioned above. It serves as a visual reminder of what I am striving for right now. I looked up a you tube tutorial (this one here) and just followed the steps. I had such great fun learning new techniques. I found it settled me. And as I build on my techniques and skill I will be able to do more scenes of my own!

I haven't prepared more of my journal then this. I don't want to look ahead, I just want to be in this season and this moment, learning to rest in it, taking it as I come.