Hibernation Senses

It’s hibernation season, my favorite of all the seasons, but I think all seasons are my favorite when I’m in them. A friend of mine says that some people are more affected by the seasons, and I think that definitely applies to me.

This hibernation season feels different to me. More needed. More indulgent, as things in my life shift into a new place. I’m spending a lot of time reimagining my home and those things that I love and the things that truly reflect who I am as a person. I’m using this season as one of self discovery and self love, spending lots of time doing the things that I love, and that I have loved in past seasons of my life that may have fallen off as time goes on.

Hibernation is a great time to sit still, be with yourself, and be in your space. Our little caves that we retreat into are such a big feature of the season when it’s too cold to venture out too much. So today I thought I’d share the things I sense when I’m still in my home, present with myself.

SEE: an embroidery project

This week I started an elaborate embroidery, transforming a classic illustration of mine into a tapestry. But taking a bit longer than anticipated.

A goal of this season is to make more art though I tend to draw the same thing again and again. So I’m taking that into a different medium and loving the result so far.

HEAR: moody music

A playlist that makes me feel all the feelings these days. As moody as the weather is, as energizing as I need right now.

SMELL: a signature scent(s)

We make a lot of candles, but I gravitate to the same scents at home to ground down and restore when I need to. Aloe and green tea, lavender eucalyptus, and lotus blossom are always burning around my home in different corners for the winter comfort.

Hot tip: burn different scents in different rooms so as you move around your space, you engage in different ways.

TASTE: all the hot drinks

I tried to get off coffee this winter, but I never fully awaken or feel inspired without it, so I’m back on super hot coffee, and three cups of a tea a day. Persian rose in the afternoon, lemon ginger after dinner, sleepy time vanilla or rooibos before bed.

Also fully enjoying my elaborate mug collection this season too.

FEEL: textures

Soft knits on the skin, a micro-fleece blanket to curl up under, a natural jute rug that massages my feet as I walk around, and the softest pup fur as she demands pets all day long.

Hibernation soothes the senses and the soul. How are you indulging in this season?