I am fairly certain that I am a bear. In my head.
Let it be known, for the record and for those reading who worry about me and take things literally, that I am very much not a bear. But you know what I would love?
A cave!
Berries!
And really, mostly: permission to hibernate.
What we want.
We, of course, being the Campaign to Bring Back Hibernation. Of which I am a founding member.
Much like my secret bear identity, this also exists primarily in my head.
Here are our demands! What we stand for! If we were standing. But we aren’t. That would take way too much effort.
Wouldn’t it be so lovely…
To stop when it’s dark. Or cold. Or dark and cold.
Or not to stop. But at least to have the option of stopping.
Designated warm, schnuggly, blanket-filled spaces to curl up in and hide out in.
Candles. Light. Time. To be cozy and have spaciousness at the same time.
To activate the time-space wormholes so as to be in bed more than usual. To hide without being embarrassed or annoyed about needing it.
To choose seclusion, knowing that seclusion is not isolation.
Just ask Metaphor Mouse
For me, hibernation is also a symbol.
For example, having a more conscious, intentional, playful, inquisitive relationship with time and this crazy idea that there is enough of it.
It’s all forms of intentional Not-Doing. Like meditation and napping and old Turkish lady yoga.
Hibernation is advanced sovereignty practice — the kind of thing I’d be able to do if I had more faith in my knowledge that rest is good, useful, healing, and at certain times more necessary than other times.
And it’s everything I’m already doing to take care of the borders of my kingdom. Like the Gracious No (not a band!). It’s a metaphor for choosing safety.
How to approach this more hibernation-friendly lifestyle?
I’m not entirely sure. Of course it’s definitely related to the Book of Me and the Dammit List.
I will be spending this week at the Rally (Rally!) figuring more of this out, since we’re giving special attention to Book-of-You-centered thinking.
One of the suggestions I’m taking from (the brilliant and inspiring) Cairene is to approach this experiment as if I were writing an almanac.
Because pretty much every November I’ll feel angsty, and in January I’m going to want to work less. And come August I’ll just want to write and write and write.
So I can sneak notes to my slightly future self. I can remind her that if X is happening, I’m not sad — just in need of extra hibernation. And if Y is happening, I need more Z.
Actually, I pretty much always need more Z.
We are having a parade!
For all of us who want and need permission to hibernate a little more, to hide a little longer.
I am imagining a fabulous parade, with ticker tape and confetti. We are all going as slowly as we like. Definitely not in a hurry.
In fact, maybe we’re just riding on floats or being pushed along in rolling carriages. Or riding tricycles. It’s rather a meandering parade.
We wear large sashes, like the suffragettes. And we have placards that say things like “Mmmm, tired” or “Schleeeeeeeeepy and proud!”
And we make bear paws! You know, pause. Paws! That gives me pause.
We wave permission slips. And maybe wear them too.
We have hot toddies. Or pots of tea. Warm cider. Giant sweaters. Fuzzy slippers. It’s marvelous.
Come join the campaign.
It works like this.
You have permission to feel anything you feel.
Tired and worn out? That sounds normal. Good grief. It’s January. A very acceptable thing to be going through.
Or maybe you feel excited and energized. Why not? The Hibernation Movement is a very thrilling thing to be a part of. We can use your vim and vigor.
You can wave a sign. Or not. Wear slogan-covered pajamas. Or not. Cheer as much as you like. Or call SILENT RETREAT and hide.
And comment zen for today.
We all have our stuff. We’re all working on our stuff. It’s a process.
What I’d love: cheering and happiness for the Campaign to Bring Back Hibernation. Sign ideas. Outrageous slipper descriptions. Ridiculous acronyms!
What I’d rather not have today: advice, practical or otherwise. Or facts about bears.
That’s it. Yay for national hibernation week! And for my imaginary hibernation nation! And for yawning, stretching and pillows!
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I would most certainly join the Campaign. but please don’t make me stand up!
I am an Expert Hibernator. Which is problematic sometimes. But even so I would be happy to cheerlead and bring a banner of sorts, pillows, comfort blanket, slippers, bedtime reading.Yee haaa.
x
Oy vey. I want to hibernate. For about a day, really. Then the guilt sets in, telling me that not only do I not deserve a day off, I shouldn’t even NEED it. Things are going really well and seem to be falling into place. Rest may be understandable if everything was mired in Hard, but it’s not. Now is not the time for rest.
Well, hush Brain. I’m going to sashay down the parade. Me thinks I carry a sign that reads something like, “Say It Loud, I’m Tired And I’m Proud”. Ooh, it’s a meandering parade! So maybe we should all take turns pushing each other in rolling beds! Yeah, that sounds good.
You won’t have too hard of a time spotting me. I’ll be the one wearing GIR slippers.
Oh! I would like to be a Founding Member! Because damn, there is nothing that sends me to bed like winter.
Berries and caves and hibernators unite!
Julie
I will happily support this movement from a luxurious pile of flannel sheets and snuggly blankets, with a steaming, perpetually-warm hot toddy at my elbow.
I have been complaining, since the New Year, about how very lethargic I feel. How all the rest isn’t enough – yet I still Need to go be social (because otherwise I am a grumpy bear). Clearly, Hibernation With Occasional Socializing is exactly what I need!
This is so funny — I had already started organizing a chapter of the Campaign to Bring Back Hibernation in NY this weekend! Most brilliant.
My partner and I have a joke about how we’re bears. Because she has these huge gloves that actually look like giant bear gloves. And we have a fuzzy blanket that, when draped over you, looks very much like a bear outfit. And because we really are very good at hibernating.
But I am so glad to join and celebrate with other bears! When I get home from work today, I shall pour a cup of tea, and snuggle under some blankets, and do some blogging. Or maybe not do some blogging. Because there are no shoulds in hibernation-land.
Yay! Hibernation! Let’s celebrate it’s amazing healing magic. 🙂 I have a fort room in my house dedicated especially to this cause. Thanks Havi. You are so amazing
I am so inspired! What is more better for January than hibernating? And i do need permission, especially since I just decided to biggify my business NOW. But i can bring snuggly dogs and kitties to hibernate with and knitted shawls:) Thanks, Havi!
Oh, I really need to hibernate. I slept 12 hours Saturday night and then took a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon. Still tired. Definitely time to hibernate.
I have been hibernating all January so I shall join you indeed. Picture me waving and cheering from a fabulous faux fur-lined sled, covered with orange (color!) fleece blankets, with an always-full mug of hot cocoa in hand, being pulled along by Sir Atlas (who is also a charter member).
Oh I would love love love to hibernate. My float in the parade would be a king size bed with a slow quiet motor, with a fuzzy blanket under me and a fuzzy blanket over me. I would do an hour of Old Turkish Lady yoga each day so as to not completely atrophy and I would dream dream dream. Ah to dream! =)
I am here, wearing my bear hat and my skull footie pajamas 🙂
Today is an absolutely delicious day for a hibernation parade! My float has big comfy couches and fuzzy blankets and a roaring fire and a hot chocolate fountain and warm blueberry scones and lots and lots of books and magazines and soft music, and no one cares if you doze off for a bit. We don’t know where the parade route is going, exactly, but we don’t really care. I think we were too blissed out on relaxation that we forgot to make a banner. Fellow hibernaters, climb aboard!
Wow. This is one of those beautifully intuitive, well-timed and extra-welcome posts. I mean, I was sitting in a sunbeam, eyes closed, drifting and dreaming and wishing I could do it all day, when my cell phone vibrated to alert me to this post. And I’ve been feeling this way *so much* lately. Hibernation!
So, this is me on my four-poster float, layered in pillows and comforters, cradling my journal like a teddy bear. I am joining the campaign and the parade.
Seclusion is not isolation — I love that!
I’ve been sleeping excessively and it’s not even that cold, or dark here. I guess at least *some* part of my brain still knows what time of year it is…
Hot toddies, definitely. I must have a sash, of course, and a large, ridiculous, awesome hat. And parasol. And a magic carpet that glides along the ground with my chaise lounge, pile of blankets and shawls, and little table with my snacks and drinks…
Yes! More hibernation. I try and convince myself that I don’t need it, but I definitely do. I work intensely then I need to hibernate, which makes sense but for some reason I think that I *should* be able to work all the time.
Reading a good book that I have read many times before while being under heavy blankets and drinking green tea is one of my favourite things to do ever. Bonus awesomeness if I am wearing my fuzzy kitty pajamas while doing this.
Mmm…my bear cave would definitely involve deliciously warm cheesy pasta – and I would be handing out big bowls of this along the parade – hopefully whilst also snuggled inside some duvet and blankets.
I would like to be carried in a divan with gauzy curtains that I only have to pull back when I want to wave lazily at the crowd. I will wear a sash that says “Permission to Nap” and have a steady supply of hot chocolate. With marshmallows!! And pillows! Lots and lots of pillows!
Oh, yay for hibernation! I’ll emerge from my downy bed when the sun decides to pay a prolonged visit. Until then, ciao, bella!
This is exactly what I have been thinking about all month! I’m so in. I’ll wear my pajamas that don’t look like pajamas and snuggle into my favorite blankets. I will only wake up to read and eat.
Of course, I still have to figure out how the bills will get paid and my husband will get around (can’t drive cuz he’s legally blind and now can’t cycle because of a bum knee). So maybe I’m mostly pretend hibernating.
This is the best campaign EVER!
Yay! I am so joining the ‘Campaign to Bring Back Hibernation’!
A couple of winters ago I really began to understand that all I ever want to do in December is hibernate. I’ve even now written ‘don’t take any work in December’ in my own personal Book of Me.
I can just about cope with November, and in January things get a little better, but December is all about being a (in my case, brown) bear and taking very, very long naps.
With snacks, hot chocolate and the occasional glass of red wine, as well as fleecy throws, pajamas and slippers (preferably red or orange, for the warmth and glow) wherever possible.
Thank you Havi for this wonderful post and for providing confirmation that I’m not alone in my ‘beardom’. Here’s to all us bears!
I have an alter-ego, who is also a superhero, called Cozy Girl.
Her superpower is the ability to thrive in exceedingly comfortable conditions.
Her rallying cry: “More Blankets!”
She would make a good Grand Marshal for the parade, except that it might require too much leadership, so she has agreed to appear on the poster if the lighting is dim and there are hot beverages involved.
Count me in. 🙂
Yes! Hibernation! I’d say more, but there’s some hot tea that needs drinking.
I’m in! Hurrah. I’m definately up for Hibernation.
Or being a cat. I think cats have it totally sorted – they just *know* somehow that they’re the coolest things ever. And they get to sleep for insane amounts of time. 🙂 x
Yeah, I am all for the parade. My code word will be “hot- water bottle”. Pyjama hugs to all hibernators!
i want to “summernate”. i can’t think when it is this hot and feel so tired right now. and then i can’t really sleep until it is dark. how do people who live near the poles handle it? my hat off for them
maybe summernate could be daily siestas. from 2pm, after lunch to about 5pm. and a hammock. in the shade. and soft breeze. and birds singing ot the sound of the ocean and the semll of flowers and minty lemonade. my dog is wise. she does that
or i can send you all sunlight and warmth and you can send me some chilly breeze.
hugs to all.
I’m joining this in my Funny Dogs (they’re really just one guy) nightshirt and star pyjamas and handing out small cuddly dogs 🙂
I read this about 8 hours ago and just now had a rest epiphany. I almost never rest! I procrastinate, but procrastination isn’t restful. No wonder I fall asleep during the day and get frustrated and distracted when I try to work. My brain and body are just trying to crawl away from it all and hibernate!
@Nat: some animals totally summernate – they call it aestivation (well, they don’t, but humans do.) Your word is better. Chilly breeze from England!
Oh, yes!! I want to be a bear too!
I’ve been alternating between high-energy smiling connection with people (extrovert–I get energy) and lots of hibernating. I could go back to bed right now.
The parade makes me think of the dreams I have when some part of me is aware that I’m sleeping. All kinds of stories go on, during which I’m asleep. I’m exploring my new huge house with the giant porch–but I keep lying down on the floor and going to sleep. Like that. I imagine drifting down the road in the parade, asleep. Aaaahh.
well, as you say havi, people vary – i struggle with insomnia so hibernation in the sleepy sense alludes me. but i do dream of that ease of being able to sleep and i am very open to this changing. in the meantime, i do my best to adapt. i love the idea of a cozy sleepy hibernation where things feel just right.
I think Hibernation Nation is a great band name.
I love the idea of hibernating. Especially today when it was 9 degrees out as I left for work in the dark. I’ve long thought that everyone should just shorten their hours everywhere in winter so we can hibernate and not get to work before the sun even rises.
I’ve been allowing myself coffee in the afternoons this January because naps only mess up my whole sleep cycle (I can’t nap–once I’m asleep I will sleep for hours.) I’ve decided that it is my substitute sunshine.
Hibernation nation! Yes. Can I be a citizen, please?
I love hibernation. I will join you all in bearishness, although I do not have my own float, so I may attach a sidecar with blankets to someone else’s float and tag along. Dozing. Possibly snoring, but not too loudly.
I have been learning how to hibernate guiltlessly; it’s been one of this winter’s lessons, I think. It’s a glorious thing, to spend an evening in a dark warm place with pleasant media and my lovely cuddly partner, and not worry about Getting Stuff Done.
I’m inherently lazy and a hedonist, so this lesson has been easier than expected for me. 🙂
Cheers to the bears of the hibernation nation!
Parade! I’ll be there wrapped up in several quilts in a red wagon letting the parade move me slowly down the street. I may or may not also bring to tea to share.
PS I love the idea of Cozy Girl the super hero. I’m smitten.
In June of 2009 I was in a Journaling Seminar and in one exercise wrote a two-part story about a white bear. Long story which I’ll leave out, but I just went back and wrote a third section.
In this part, the bear gets ready for hibernation with hot chocolate and fuzzy slippers and sleeping cap… and then drifts off to sleep where s/he dreams of walking in a wonderful parade. Where, of course, all of you are doing all the things you just described!
There is also music, and yoga mats, and stompy boots just in case for puzzle-stomping (also puddle-stomping–I wrote puzzle first), for those who are in between naps. (And who very courteously move their exercise or baking or chocolate-brewing far enough away so as not to wake up the nappers until they are ready.)
So the bear (me, of course) is resting and excited and energized at the very same time.
It’s very restful and renewing, and yet energizing, to be around all you lovely bears, in a dream or online. Mmmm!
I’m joining the Hibernation movement. And remember the groundhog does not emerge until February 2nd. And then if the weather doesn’t look good, he or she goes back in for six weeks. So we have at least that long!
ooooooohhhhh…yesch….schleeeeeeeeeepy….sign us up. The girls (who could write the book on napping!) want to sign up, too. Dogs allowed, yes?
This is so fitting at the end of a day when I got in my car this morning and it was -9°F.
COOOOOLLLLLLDDDDD!
(even in New Hampshire, it doesn’t get THAT cold during the day very often)
Andy
Havi! You have been reading my mind! Again!
As Jesse said, you are indeed Havi the apt. I feel so supported when you do that. It’s eerie, but good.
What do mean here? A few days ago I started the early-to-bed club (which i’m totally not honoring tonight,because it’s monday and there are valid reasons for that.) it is the latest (and first) experiment in the new section of my site: the LOVEratory
Thank you for putting good vibes for more sleep. so subversivly delicious.
@Yael Saar: early-to-bed-club, brilliant. I would like to apply for membership. I have been an avowed early-to-bed-goer forever.
I had a dream recently where I and my housemates were all traveling through the city on beds. The beds seemed to move effortlessly in and out of department stores and anywhere we wanted to go, and we never had to get out of bed. Where ever we went we were all snugged in.
And now I remember a favorite story from when I was kid (does anyone know the name of it?) about some children who had a magic bed. They would hop onto the bed, grab the bed knob and twist it while saying where they wanted to go, and the bed would just magically take them there. The part I want to have now is where they always had their bed with them and could just hop on, twist the bed knob and say “home,” and the bed would instantly take them there! Now that’s a technological advancement!
@Miriam Bedknobs and Broomsticks!
Do you need a visa for this Nation of Hiber?
Can I have at least 4 fluffy blankets, hot chocolate, grilled cheese on demand, and Nina Simone to sing me to sleep? All will be well in the darkness that is the Northern Hemisphere.
Yes, hiberNation.
Funny, right next to my computer is a picture of a brown bear, put there by me months ago when I realized that a bear is my symbol. The ability to deep into the cave; to find what is there in the dark, to go slow, even appear (from the outside) to be hiding, is essential to me- the BEAR ESSENTIALS!
I have to be careful not to substitute habits that lull me into lethargy as an escape (my pattern), when what I really want is time, quiet, & seclusion for deep reflection and profound rest. It’s taken me years and years to feel the difference.
Our “modern” lives are not set up for this. It really helps to have permission from wherever I can get it when I’m not giving it to myself.(ahem, most of the time).
The adage “Grin and BEAR it” can take on a totally new meaning. A rallying cry that includes Gracious No (with a smile) and permission.
thank you eve, sunlight in a jar for you when you want it!
hiber nation rocks, though it is not very populated, it is really just one guy…
OH!
It’s National Hibernation Week?!?
No wonder I insisted on laying about in my pjs all day Monday. And OF COURSE, I’m ready to go to sleep at dark (5:30p) today.
Yes!
Now that I know it’s NATIONAL, I’ll just go on and give in and knit all day in bed.
Now, if someone would like to push my bed through the parade, I’d be happy to join, otherwise, SILENT RETREAT!
“To hide without being embarrassed or annoyed about needing it.” Oh me too. Yes, please.
I’m all about the hibernating, perhaps a bit much so, but I’m going with your “seclusion is not isolation.”
I have in fact been looking for a hat with bear ears on it for some time. Not something with a face because that would be goofy, just ears and fuzziness. Or a fuzzy hoodie with bear ears, really that’s the dream. 🙂
Hibernators Unite!
There is this lovely self-organized parade on Mardi Gras morning by the Society of St. Ann. It rambles, along a certain set of streets in no particular order or pace and the costumes are lovely. Anyone can join it. (I believe it is named after St. Ann St, which is where the gay bars are.)
This reminded me a little of that.
I can’t believe I missed the PARADE. But I’m not a bear. I’m a TREE. In the winter, i go into DORMANCY, the better to throw a fabulous spectacle in the spring. And, so that you miss me. A little. Not too much, but so that you really appreciate the show.
YES! I cheer on the parade from bed in my Muppet jammies (pink and blue and polka dotted and fuzzy like they were made from a muppet, but I swear no muppets were harmed in the making of my jammies).
THANK YOU for giving me permission to feel worn out from snow, snow, cold, white skies, dark afternoons, etc.
Sign I am holding says, “When in doubt, take to your bed and NAP ON!”