Museletter #20: De-hibernation

 

Spring, 2010

 

Recently, during writing lunches with a good friend, instead of typing away, we find ourselves gabbing about exercise and eating. We reminisce about our formerly active lifestyles and plot ways get back into our bodies and in better shape. I became self-conscious about this one day when we sat in our usual seats next to another regular, a chubby guy who chimed in on our discussion about local gyms the week before. Here we were, talking about weight again. Has spring turned us into bimbos, formerly intelligent women now obsessed with physique?

 

Perhaps, but upon further reflection, I believe this seeming persona lapse is one way my friend and I are trying to wake ourselves up and out of our winter slumber, and catch up to the bursting spring scenario surrounding us. It's time to emerge from the cozy cave of comforters and hot coffee: time to de-hibernate.

 

How is your de-hibernating going this spring? Are you in line with nature, bursting with energy, creativity and desire, beginning to sleep and eat less? Or are you more like the tight bud, feeling at odds with the season's vitality and change? For most people, de-hibernation can be a bit uncomfortable. There are allergies, and odd sleeping patterns can emerge. Shedding our winter skin can be something we look forward to and resist. Although you may find yourself venturing outside more and more, you may also find yourself burrowing in the cupboards and feeling utterly lethargic when indoors.

 

How to manage syncing the environmental pull to bloom and your own desire to open? As you let the power of the seasonal change move through you, pace yourself. The days are warm but the nights are cool, giving our bodies time to adjust. There may be feelings of desire and a sense of rebirth, but with birth comes labor -- in spring's case -- cleaning your house, your closets, your insides; fertilizing soil, planting seeds, etc. Try not to pressure yourself to do everything, or overdo it.

 

Thaw gently. Bring consciousness to your de-hibernation.

 

And remember: Love Yourself no matter what.