Hibernation Essentials
This time of year can be a bummer. No longer Christmas, the drudgery of early sunsets and frozen toes. It helps to have something to look forward to. I’ve collected some examples of little joys that hopefully inspire a more pleasant hibernation.
Cold Hands, Warm Heart.
A hot cup of tea is key to beating the winter blues. Highly recommend stocking up on Harney & Son’s Hot Cinnamon Spice for a morning boost & Celestial Seasonings’ Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride for your evening wind-down.
Continuing time outdoors is essential for a cheerful & invigorating winter. Especially important for my Raynaud's pals, keeping our fingers and toes warm can be a challenge! Air activated warmers are a great way to stay comfortable during your chilly adventures.
“Some reflection of eternal Beauty and Wisdom.”
Echos of Eden: Reflections on Christianity, Literature, and the Arts by Jerram Barrs introduces key elements for evaluating art from a Christian perspective. A light read towards living a more whole life.
Cold, Cold Heart…
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones is a cozy, jazzy acoustic album sure to sooth you into a warm daze. Best paired with a watercolours under your warmest lamp.
Keep your diction as crisp as winter air!
Performers: Warm up your instrument with this classic tongue twister.
Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot.
We’ll weather the weather,
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!
“The world’s asleep,” Moomintroll thought.
Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson is the sixth in the Finnish Moomin series, but easy jumping into part-way. Waking up early from hibernation, Moomintroll explores his first winter wonderland.
“Poetry of knowing… a place through sense and memory.”
Jónsi, Hrafntinna (Obsidian), 2021. Photo by Pierre Le Hors. 2021/1321.
I found Jónsi’s Hrafntinna (Obsidian) installation at Toronto’s AGO captivating. Unable to witness the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland due to the pandemic, Jónsi has imagined this unique event as a composition… transporting the visitor inside a volcano.
A YouTube video can’t compete with the full sixteen-channel sound installation, chandelier, speakers, subwoofers, carpet, fossilized amber scent. However, the audio still serves as a meditative journey to help with your focus.
Wishing you a blessed Winter season.
