05 January, 2023
The winter months are truly dark times. Cold and unforgiving, the weather turns malicious as the sun retreats from the sky, leaving us with wind that chills our bones and darkness which penetrates our souls. Food is scarce to non-existent, leading many of our animal friends to retreat to the safety of their burrows where they hibernate in order to preserve their energy. Plants go dormant, moving all of their energy to their roots to preserve themselves for the coming spring. And we humans, pampered as we may be by our ubiquitous technology, battle seasonal depression and other illnesses as we attempt to maintain the same level of productivity year-round.
Nevertheless, winter serves an important role for our planet and for all who inhabit it. Not only do the changing seasons help to regulate global temperatures, the colder weather provides a vital rest and recovery period for many animals and plants. While bears are the animals perhaps most associated with hibernation, many other animals vital to our ecosystems, such as bumblebees, bats, snakes, and squirrels, also prefer to take a long winter’s nap. Additionally, many fruit bearing trees and shrubs require a period of cold dormancy in order to save up enough energy to produce fruit in the spring and summer months. Even we humans benefit from colder temperatures, which have been shown to improve cognitive abilities and help us to sleep more soundly.
As we begin a new year and navigate these colder months, try to reflect on the importance of slowing down and taking time to rest. Though our modern lives often demand that we maintain a consistent pace throughout the year, taking time to rest, reflect, and recover are vital components of a healthy existence. Not only does taking time for yourself help you physically, but it also helps you mentally and spiritually. We are not robots, and just as the natural world around us takes time to relax, so too should we.
May the Force be with you.
Sasha, the Onion Knight