Winter Hibernation

This past week, night time temperatures were around 11 degrees in the Towson area.  This invites thoughts of hibernating under the blankets for awhile.  Other mammals take hibernating seriously. When in hibernation a safe, warm spot is found, and the mammal moves into minimal activity and the body drops into slowed metabolic activity.  Doesn't that sound good when it is cold and dark outside?

I want to recommend that you take advantage of this winter time for a period of reflection and contemplation that will offer restoration and nourishment.  You may think that contemplation means to think about something, but consider moving out of thinking and into mindful awareness.  As there is more dark, and the natural world slows and is still we can join with this pace to find rest and peacefulness.

Nature is taking a retreat from its active state and enjoying its resting state.  How about you?  During periods of quiet and stillness we can open into a state of peaceful awareness that may simply offer rest, or may offer insight or wisdom.  You could record the directions below on your phone and play it back to have a period of meditation.

Directions:  Allow yourself to find a quiet spot, a comfortable seat or lying down, with a blanket for cover to keep you warm.  You may want to choose a spot with a view of nature, or light a candle, or play quiet music.  Once you are settled bring your attention to the body, feel the weight of the body sinking into your resting spot.  Let the whole body be heavy and observe as the breath begins to slow.  Sense the body softening, soft face, soft throat, soft shoulders, soft chest, soft belly, the whole lower body soft, the feet falling out to the side.  Notice the rhythm of the breath and move back into awareness of the breath, you are now the observer, resting in awareness.  Allow yourself to feel the deep rest and renewal that is here.  Allow yourself to simply notice and allow whatever is moving through awareness.  Rest here as long as you like. When you are ready to return your attention to the space around you take a few moments to stretch.  You may want to take a few minutes to journal about your experience.

Written by: Gayle Bohlman, LCSW-C