You often hear about conservation when it comes to electricity, water or wildlife; but have you considered your own energy conservation?

In nature, bears know just what to do in winter to conserve their energy – they hibernate! How I too wish I could hibernate this winter. Yet, I find it increasingly difficult to follow this natural wisdom in my own life as I come up against the longer list of “to do’s” to close out my year.

I tend to push full throttle through survival mode, often abandoning the deep calls to rest.  My intention for this year was to “walk my talk” more, to live in sync with the seasons, while also juggling mothering, working, being a friend, daughter, etc. It’s too easy to bypass the signals nature gives me when I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and busy-ness.

In these darker days, there lies an opportunity to recognize hidden roots that propel you into your habits, decisions, fears and repeated lessons. Leaning into hibernation time and slowing down may reveal what you’ve been avoiding and this can be difficult. Yet, facing the discomfort is when root behaviors and patterns will finally change and you may not sweat the small stuff anymore (and the big stuff too!)

Here are some tricks & remedies for when you feel the need to hibernate this winter:

Conserve and preserve your energy now, so as the seasons change, your physical and mental transition from dark to light isn’t bumpy, but methodical, and “beary” smooth.

Perhaps this Spanish proverb said it best:
“How wonderful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.”

Wishing you a restful & healthy holiday season!

~Jamie