HIBERNATION NEST TIMEFRAME: Dec. 21, 2022 (Winter Solstice) – March 20, 2023 (Spring Equinox)
Hibernation: an extended period of remaining inactive or indoors, usually in winter
Nest: a place of rest, retreat, or lodging
We invite you into a hibernation nest to rest, reflect, and prepare for spring! In the busy world we exist in, taking intentional time to rest is a luxury. It shouldn’t be. Rest is an essential aspect of wellness and self-care. Winter invites us to slow down and our nervous systems naturally do which is a gift we may not recognize on a daily basis. This time of slowness creates a sense of cocoon or nest that we can sink into, embrace, and embody. Here’s a great article on the benefits of hibernation.
It’s simple to participate in this invitation — there’s a 5 step process. That’s all.
STEP 1: sign up here to receive regular updates
STEP 2: identify and set aside a minimum of 2 hours per week to hibernate (more hours are better but 2 works fine)
STEP 3: create your nest (see below)
STEP 4: select and order book(s); purchase a new journal for this experience
STEP 5: let your circle know you are participating in this and will be hibernating each week so they can support you (or invite them to participate too)
***We’ll have two check-ins via Zoom during this experience so SAVE THESE DATES: Jan. 15th and Feb. 12th.***
We’ve curated some lists for you to create your nest, to read, and to write and reflect (see below) or DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY HERE TO PRINT
CREATE YOUR NEST WITH:
- warm, soft blanket (should be big enough to wrap around yourself)
- candle (add some essential oil drops while it’s burning)
- mug for hot tea or coffee
- comfortable chair
- lamp or light for reading/journaling
- warm socks
- cozy and comfortable clothes you can rest in
- favorite snacks
WRITING PROMPTS might include: What does stillness feel like in my body, mind, and spirit? What are ways I create stillness in my life right now? What are my questions or longings around stillness? How do both light and dark impact stillness in my life? Is there something disrupting stillness in my life right now — how might I approach this?
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT to add rhythm to your process. Consider a hand drum, a shaker, the ukulele. You might explore the invitation to learn a musical instrument while hibernating.
SUGGESTED READING LIST:
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times (Katherine May)
The Electricity of Every Living Thing: A Woman’s Walk In The Wild To Find Her Way Home (Katherine May)
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto (Tricia Hersey)
Pause, Rest, Be: Stillness Practices for Courage in Times of Change (Octavia F. Raheem)
If Women Rose Rooted: A Life-changing Journey to Authenticity and Belonging (Sharon Blackie)
Paddling My Own Canoe: A Solo Adventure On the Coast of Molokai (Audrey Sutherland and Yoshiko Yamamoto)
by Mary Oliver
Everything Is Waiting for You by David Whyte
PODCASTS
Untangle focuses on “inspiring, uncensored stories from people who have untangled from society’s giant rule book to create a meaningful life”. Each episode will teach you how to slow down, reduce your stress levels and create a feeling of calm when you need it most.
Happiness Break Psychologist Dacher Keltner and guests guide you through research-based practices to develop more compassion, resilience to stress, and moments of joy and inspiration. And we explain the science behind why these practices work–all in under 10 minutes. A happiness break in your day.
10 Percent Happier a comprehensive look at the myriad of factors that can get in the way of our joy and what to do about them.
APPS
Insight Timer has a huge library of content: over 80,000 free guided meditations from over 10,000 teachers on topics like stress, relationships, healing, sleep, creativity, and more.
The Healthy Minds Program app wants to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind—by strengthening mental focus, decreasing stress, and growing resilience, compassion, and better immune health.