We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, And know the place for the first time. ~T.S. Eliot Four Quartets

24 January 2007

If only we could hibernate..

This is probably what my husband would like more than anything, to hibernate all winter. Our bodies don't function like a bear's but, imagine though, if we could..

I think it would be more like living in rhythm with the seasons. It seems like only farmers, or people who work the land today are in touch with seasonal rhythm..though even they are subject to market demands. The rest of us operate 24/7 no matter what. I used to observe driving to work in Chicago, that when it rained or snowed (weather making things hazardous), a good portion of drivers drove faster, more carelessly instead of slowing down and being more cautious--in sync with what the weather demanded. They sped up to (presumably) beat the clock that they felt the inclement weather would interrupt. I could never personally understand this behaviour.

Imagine though, if we say, sometime in mid-November, started storing up food and essentials for the next three months --and then we didn't use our cars or travel to 'work'. We wouldn't be sleeping the entire time, but rather resting, drawing in , creating, contemplating the new year in January with the Roman god Janus watching over our doorway, overseeing our thoughts about the future and relishing in the quiet of the month for which we remember his name. And preparing for our symbolic 'rebirth' in spring.


Our capitalistic society would never allow it, but just imagine all your financial needs taken care of for your winter hibernation. What would you do with your time? Cooking, tending to your home, playing with your kids, or reading, writing ( a book?), resting, exercising, walking, helping your neighbors, playing games? Just imagine...

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