While humans don't hibernate like other mammals, our bodies do change in response to winter. They compensate when it gets colder and darker outside, trying to keep internal conditions the same for our protection. While winter is not a universal experience (for example, people who live closer to the equator do not experience dropping temperatures and significantly less daylight), what is universal are cycles of growth that mirror different seasons.
With less sunlight, we experience a change in energy levels, sleep patterns, and appetite. Different seasons require different responses from us. Slowing down in cold months is adaptive for future growth in plants and animals, including humans. An example from the plant world is a recent study that explains why there are smaller crop yields as global winters are warmer and milder. The prominent scientific rationale is that crop dormancy is necessary to protect the plant during the harsh months. Now, science understands more about the importance of slow or no growth, i.e., quiescence, to create the conditions that help plants flower and fruit during the high-growth months.
Our ancestors, who were part of agricultural or nomadic cultures, changed their behaviors in rhythm with the seasons. They worked less hours and went to bed when it was dark. Modern culture does not appreciate cyclical slowdown and even sees it as a negative. The market economy does not align with nature's sustainability wisdom.
What would happen if we, as a culture, honored the mind-body changes in response to shorter days? What if we heeded the body's call to slow down, turn inward, and connect with our communities? Winter's invitation is to slow down, go within, and get quiet inside in a way that mirrors the natural world.
Denmark's lifestyle trend of Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) translates as "to give courage, comfort, or joy." It also signifies cozy contentment over the simple things found in life, connection, and fellowship. The Danes take the practice seriously, which likely contributes to their consistent placement on the list of happiest countries. In other words, they value community and solitude to help warm their spirits in the coldest months (and their winters are known to be harsh). While Hygge is practiced year-round, there is no better time than in the winter months.
Rituals manifest the spirit of Hygge, of care for ourselves and our community. Self-care rituals include reading a good book wrapped in a warm blanket, lighting candles throughout the house, slowing down and putting a rest day on your calendar, and writing a letter of gratitude to yourself for all the good things about you. Hygge practiced within the community might look like savoring good conversation, drinking hot chocolate around a fire pit, bundling up and taking walks outside, making a special meal for loved ones, and checking in on older people who may have challenges going out in inclement weather.
Winter as a season is an apt metaphor for the initial stages of our creative and spiritual cycles, when growth is not visible, though it is happening underground. Just as winter is nature's way of conserving energy and protecting plants until next year's season of growth, we have personal growth cycles that include pausing and inaction after we plant the initial seeds of inspiration.
It can be difficult for the mind to trust that things are as they should be during phases of inactivity, especially when there are no visible signs of growth above the surface. Yet, we can help train our minds to rest during periods of discomfort when it wants "to do," though it is time to allow. It will become apparent when the period for rest is over, and it is time for action once again.
During the first five decades of my life, I had great difficulty with the pause after completing a project or growth cycle. My mind charged ahead, looking for ways to engage my resources instead of appreciating the need for integration. Celebrating my accomplishments and waiting to see what naturally evolved from them was counterintuitive. This struggle showed a lack of understanding and trust in letting the external world meet and join you. One of the joyful discoveries of the second half of my life is how things reveal themselves as I hone my ability to open to them.
Helping the mind to rest and participate in the natural cycles of growth encourages it to become a more effective partner with intuition, which is the body's wisdom. It's not a problem if the mind is still restless, looking to be the driving force in what is next, because that's what minds do. It can fear that it will miss an opportunity. At these times, we can practice compassionate self-restraint.
When restless, the mind needs reassurance that it is valued and has important work to do in the future, as it provides structure for necessary action. The mind can learn to experience the pleasure of dancing in sync with the heart and the body. This dance leads to a more intimate connection to the quiet voice within and to the external world, dissolving the mind-body dualism trap that is the source of our separateness.
Practice for Quieting the Mind
First, a caveat: The mind may find this suggestion unhelpful because it isn’t intended to solve problems and doesn’t meet efficiency standards. Even if the mind intellectually understands the importance of not doing or being still, it still looks for action-oriented ways to do this.
While this practice takes only a few minutes, it can be challenging to pause during a busy day. If done regularly as part of your day, your mind learns to relax and take in the environment instead of prematurely thinking about and acting upon it.
Body Awareness Exercise
Sit in a comfortable position with no distractions. Close your eyes and focus your mind on a sensation in your body. Just watch the sensation until it passes.
When it passes, take three slow, easy breaths, and notice where you notice the breath. Is it through your nose, your chest, or your stomach? Try to watch the breath through to completion.
Again, notice a sensation in your body. It might be tightness, a tickle, warmth, heaviness, or ease. Keep your awareness of that physical sensation until it passes. Notice if and how it changes before it passes.
When it passes, take three more easy breaths, not forcing it; let the breath breathe itself. Return to a physical sensation.
Practice one more round of watching a sensation in your body until it passes.
End with three more easy breaths, focusing on its entry and watching it through to the entire exhalation. You may notice the pause between inhalation and exhalation.
When you have done three rounds, touch your hand to your heart and thank yourself for taking the time to connect with your body.