Monday 8 February 2016

Hibernation and contemplation



I know that January and February are usually (for me, at least) the months of the year where we just have to somehow 'get through'. And having read other blogs it would seem many others feel the same too. But then I read a post which made me think - why wish time away? Why not embrace it for what it is (in this case cold, dark, wet and windy)?

Without wishing to sound too preachy there are people who are really suffering. Yes, the gloom has a negative effect on mood. Yes, it would be great to get out into the garden if the rain ever stops.

But really - there's nothing you can do to make the sun appear or the clouds disappear. Better to go with the flow than try to swim against it.


Yesterday, after weeks (months?) of saying we must adopt the whole Slow Sundays way of doing things, we actually did it. I put my phone in my bag and stuffed it behind the sofa. We lounged around and had a late breakfast then layered up and went for a walk. The sun did appear once or twice, and how wonderful it was to sit on a bench and soak up those fleeting rays. Yes, we had to take shelter in the church doorway during a passing hail shower. But we also saw hellebores and tulip leaves thrusting through the earth, snowdrops and steam trains. 

Refreshed and invigorated (and plastered in mud) we returned home to spend the afternoon keeping warm and eating good food.

I noticed something: the weekend doesn't fly by as quickly when you slow things down and do a bit less. Slow Sundays will now be every Sunday. It may take a little while to establish that but I'm determined to do it.


I'm currently reading 'The Victorian House' by Judith Flanders. It's fascinating; social history, particularly that of a domestic nature, is something I really enjoy learning about. A good book on a wet day is something that can't be beaten.

And speaking of learning: I recently came across an article about Highly Sensitive People (H.S.P's). It resonated with me. I'm not really one for psychobabble or the leaping onto the latest affliction/condition bandwagon. But it just rang a bell or three. Maybe everyone feels this way but there are many traits - listed on this site - which are just me. Things like being accused of being overly sensitive, my inability to cope with loud noise, of feeling easily overwhelmed. Of feeling rattled when I have lots to do at once, of being highly aware of other people's moods, of being ridiculously sensitive to caffeine.

The list goes on. It's really interesting and has been a bit of a revelation to be honest. I think I was also a Highly Sensitive Child and that could explain why certain events had such a marked effect on me emotionally.

Non of this stuff means I need therapy or indeed, want it. Sometimes it's just good to identify with something. And maybe there is a bit of a trend at the moment. I've heard about this book too. Maybe we introverts, those of us who spend more time thinking and listening than talking, are about to have our day!

So there we have it. A bit of enlightenment in these dark months. Amazing how good reading, slowing things down, savouring the weekend and spending time indoors with family can make the gloom shift. Even if it's just metaphorical. I'll take it.





17 comments:

  1. What a beautiful and inspirational post! Karen

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  2. Love this post, I live with those who are on the autistic spectrum so can relate to the issues of over sensitivity. I'm really not sure how they manage to get through each day, to have acute senses must be exhausting. It took me years to understand the gentle hand I placed on a shoulder, was overwhelmingly uncomfortable. Enjoy your slow Sunday's, taking time out is essential, more so if life is overwhelming :) xxx

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  3. What a wonderful uplifting post! You are absolutely right, it is too easy to write off these months and much better instead to relish in the small joys they bring.The sight of the first snowdrops and hellebores always lifts the heart. I was also fascinated to read about the idea of HSP and it has made me feel much better that I am not alone in such qualities -so thank you all round!

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  4. loving the sound of your slow Sundays xxx

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  5. I remember when I first heard about HSPs. I'm one as well. It explains a lot and gives one a place in the universe, so to speak.
    Love your photos!
    Cheers,
    Dana (@nieveandestrellas)

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  6. I am sure that I have a lot of HSP traits, although I can be quite outgoing I prefer to be home alone and quiet! Today I sorted papers in the quiet all day and it was bliss! The quiet that is, not the papers! I don't usually do too badly in January, but I struggle in February although this year I don't seem to be doing too badly, hope that it holds and I hope that your slow Sundays help you through too! xx

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  7. A lovely post. Your beautiful photos show that is always possible to find small delights even in the darkest months. The list of HSP traits is very interesting. I'm definitely on the introvert spectrum somewhere!

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  8. Gorgeous photos. I'm a big fan of January and February, restful months before garden madness begins. I have a lot of HSP traits as well, although I haven't researched it much it does ring a bell with me. I hope you find some peaceful Sundays, and that you have a good week. CJ xx

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  9. I'm glad you're embracing the weather instead of fighting it. I try to do the same, especially in summer, which can be very uncomfortable here. I don't enjoy being hot and sweaty, but I'd never leave the house between May and September if I fought it, so I try to make the best of it and it really isn't so bad. I can imagine, without even having seen the HSP traits, that I would probably have a high score too. I also have many memories from childhood like yours, and I think it fits for me too. I hope you enjoy your peaceful Sundays.

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  10. I love to be alone doing my own thing, but other people seem to be so 'out there' and then I feel I should be too, but I socialise enough for me. It is so good to know there are others like me. I love your blog - interesting, entertaining and truly inspiring. Thank you.

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  11. What a lovely thoughtful post. I wish I was better at slowing down!

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  12. Such lovely photos. Your slow Sundays sound lovely. As the ABO has to work some weekends -they're not as slow I sometimes would like :) have a great week xx

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  13. Love your photos as always. I followed the link and that's not me but I think both of my granddaughters would rate high on the HSP traits. Very interesting to read. I try to make my Sundays lazy. I go to church on Thursdays and try not to leave home on Sundays. I find the cold winter to be good for sewing, quilting, crafts, etc. I want to be outside when it gets nice. Have a great day!!!

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  14. Well said, Sarah. My husband and I decided to switch our phones off a few Sundays ago for the day and we both felt much better for it. Sometimes it's very necessary to go slow. I'm very interested in the HSP thing and will take a look at the links in a minute. Gorgeous photos, as usual. Sam x

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  15. Yes. Yes.
    I, too, have realised in the last year or so that I am firmly on that spectrum labeled Highly Sensitive Individual. I'm also pragmatic and resilient enough to have raised four fine adults from babyhood, to have had a decent academic career after going back to school as a "mature" student. But I'm sensitive, it's true. Stuff that other people don't even notice gulps up my energy. I'm trying to reconcile myself to the truth that I'm not "too sensitive." I'm just as sensitive as I am, and I'm neurologically hard-wired that way. It seems important to know that for myself so that I can say it back to those who want to use the "too" word. It also seems important to recognise so that I can get the compensating stuff more firmly in place. Slow Sundays sound like a very decent way of calming the sensitivities. Always love your photos -- thank god you're so sensitive!

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  16. As I write this I'm surrounded by a teeming horde of teenagers, all enjoying their last few minutes of foods class in our high school. And I feel as if I'm being run over by noise and mayhem. Perhaps a high school isn't the best place for me to earn a living. Is it possible that I too am an HSP? Is this why I can't look at a screen for more than two hours at a time without getting a headache? Or tolerate the smell of cigarette smoke on another person's clothes? Or that a social encounter often leaves me limp with exhaustion? I could go on, but I think that I may belong to this HS tribe. Thanks for giving a name to what I find hard to take in the outside world. Most of my notion of heaven involves quiet and solitude. Lovely photos.

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  17. Interesting reading about HSP, thank you for sharing. May you have many more slow Sundays, they sound very restorative.

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