
As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the rearview mirror and the last days of autumn approach, many of us may be experiencing a sudden drop in energy. Gone are the days of basking in sunlight, enjoying warm weather, and embarking on outdoor adventures. Instead, we find ourselves reaching for cozy sweaters and wrapping up in blankets as the world outside undergoes its own transformation. The leaves have fallen, daylight has dwindled, and the creatures of the wild are preparing for the impending winter. It's a time when the energetic vibes of summer give way to a feeling of languish.
Languishing, a term that's been buzzing around lately, describes that in-between state where we're not exactly thriving, but we're not in crisis either. Think of it as a subdued and murky emotional state. It's the feeling of withdrawing, being stuck, or struggling to find a sense of purpose or engagement in your daily life. It's that foggy space where you might find yourself just going through the motions without much enthusiasm. This apathy and drop in motivation and energy, might leave us wondering if we're doing something wrong. In our hectic world, there's a reflex to combat these feelings, but what if there's another, more mindful way to navigate this seasonal shift?
Meaning Making
Uncovering how our brains give meaning to somatic responses provides a pathway to a broader undersatnding of our emotinal states. You see, our brains are remarkable meaning-makers, constantly seeking patterns and interpreting sensations from our bodies. When we experience somatic responses—those bodily sensations like a racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, or a flushed face—they don't exist in isolation. Our minds dip into the archives of our memories and expereinces and attach significance to these somatic responses. When we don't realize this, we risk misinterpreting these signals. We might confuse excitement for anxiety, or tension for a lack of interest. But here's the thing: these bodily cues are not preordained judgments; they're open to interpretation.
Recognizing this can support us to better understand our emotions, make more informed decisions, and even transform the way we experience the world around us.
Consider "languish" as the emotional meaning we associate with this lethargic, apathetic, less vibrant place. The meaning we make from it can evoke discomfort, awaken depression, or encourage negative self-criticism.
Dormancy, on the other hand, is a more intentional and restorative state. It's the act of purposefully taking a step back, allowing yourself to rest, and recharging your emotional and mental batteries. Dormancy is about acknowledging the need for a pause and giving yourself permission to be still, rest, and recharge.

Nature's Silent Wisdom:
As the days darken and temperatures drop, plants and animals don't wage war against winter; they prepare for it. They instinctually withdraw from the world, conserve their resources, and undergo transformative processes. Winter, for them, isn't a full stop but a period of quiet growth beneath the surface.
Seeds often require a period of darkness to germinate in order to grow. This seemingly paradoxical need for obscurity is a crucial step in their life cycle. In the darkness of soil, seeds can sense the right conditions, free from the distractions of light, to initiate their growth process. When the time is fitting, they break out of their dormant state, sending out delicate roots and shoots that will eventually grow toward the light and break through the darkness and above the soil, stronger than before and ready for the work of converting sunshine to energy. This profound reliance on darkness serves as a reminder that even in the hidden depths of obscurity, there exists the potential for life, growth, and the promise of a new beginning.
Much like the ever-changing natural world around us, we, too, experience subtle shifts during the late fall and early winter. Instead of resisting the change and trying to maintain our summer levels of vibrancy, what if we embraced this phase of early wintering? Imagine if we accepted that our energy levels and moods, much like the seasons, naturally ebb and flow. Might we recognize that these energy dips are signals that we need to rest and recharge? Could we shift from languishing to understanding that we may be in a phase of early dormancy?
In our modern world, it's easy to forget that we're deeply connected to the natural world. Within and around us, there's a constant ebb and flow happening on multiple levels. Breathing, the rhythm of day and night, our biological responses to the seasons – it's all part of this grand cycle.
The Challenge of Slowing Down:
Living in a society that glorifies hustle and constant activity, poses a challenge when trying to embrace dormancy. The pressure to stay productive, the relentless demands of work and technology, the tasks of holiday gatherings, and the fear of missing out on opportunities often make it challenging to slow down. Additionally, some people find discomfort in their own company. They avoid solitude and self-reflection, and instead replace them with easy and convenient distractions.
Nature's Fingerprint
Our dormancy is as individualized as we are, with varying lengths and intensities. Our dormancy is also impacted by the environment and our experiences. Sometimes, the year's demands have been particularly intense, or perhaps our enthusiasm for life's adventures has led to higher activity levels in the months prior. In such cases, a more extended period of dormancy might be just what we need. Keep in mind that some bodies can thrive on less rest, while others need more.
You see this ability to flow with changing weather and environment in gardens. Occasionally, crops have off-years when their yields fall short. If you're a gardener, you've probably had your fair share of some version of "well, no tomatoes this year." Maybe it was a drier summer, or the previous winter was exceptionally wet. These plants respond to the seasons before and sometimes prepare for the seasons ahead.
There's a belief that some plants and trees, like persimmon trees, bear more fruit in the summer when an impending harsh winter is on the horizon. It's as if these trees possess an uncanny ability to sense environmental conditions and adjust their fruit production accordingly. While science may not entirely endorse this belief, there's beauty in our natural world conspiring in subtle ways, responding to the whispers of the seasons past and those yet to come. After all, nature's mysteries are as delightful as they are complex.

Beyond Cozy
Beyond hibernation, wintering is also a time when our emotional lives, much like nature itself, can feel both dormant and intensely alive. It's a season that invites us to acknowledge and honor the complexities of our inner worlds. Just as winter can be a time of stillness and solitude, it can also be a season for healing and honoring the emotions beneath the surface.
While dormancy can evoke rest, cozy firesides, and cups of hot cocoa, the long dark and cold winter can also cast shadows on our emotional landscape. Grief and sadness can be particularly acute during the winter. The holidays, with their joyful celebrations, can evoke poignant reminders of people we've lost or missing times that were seemingly easier. The stark contrast between the warm hearth and the cold world outside can amplify our sense of longing.

Weathering the Storm:
When the daylight grows shorter, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as the winter blues, can emerge like clockwork. Although it's not uncommon to feel a bit off-kilter when we have shorter days, for some, this seasonal shift can cast a heavy shadow on their well-being. During these months, the lack of sunlight can disrupt our internal rhythms by causing a drop in serotonin (a brain chemical/neurotransmitter that affects mood), and disturb the balance of melatonin, which plays a role in our sleep patterns. These biochemical responses can lead to symptoms like fatigue, depression, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes, thoughts of suicide. If the holidays are stressful or family gatherings are dreaded, these symptoms can be disabling. As a therapist, I've witnessed the dramatic shift SAD can create for someone. It can take someone from having manageable stress to being disoriented and feeling a sense of defeat. There are strategies to help minimize and/or manage SAD, like using a lightbox and checking for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Still, like many treatments, it is best done under the care of someone trained to work with SAD, especially if suicidal thoughts are present.

Embracing Dormancy:
So, what are some ways of transitioning to this slower pace? Let's dive into some actionable steps that might support your approach to well-being and self-care during the dark, cold winter days.
Reflect on the year's demands, stressors, and energy outputs, and see if you can identify why you might need more rest than usual.
Blend mindfulness into your daily routine, such as mindfully cooking, eating, or going for a walk.
Set time aside for a regular meditation practice. If this is new for you, start small with 3-5 minutes and add more time with each session.
Journaling takes place in many ways. You can free-write whatever is on your mind, write out your stresses, create a daily gratitude journal, or find prompts to help guide you.
Spending time in nature may help to reconnect with natural rhythms. Notice how other living beings (plants, animals, etc.) are navigating winter.
Practice self-compassion by noticing self-judgment and ease up on the pursuit of perfection.
Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or community who understand the importance of this phase.
Set realistic expectations for yourself. Pay attention to how much energy you have so you can pace yourself.
Remember that your energy and enthusiasm will return when the season shifts.
If you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder
Consider seeing a physician to check your vitamin and hormonal levels.
Meet with a therapist, especially if you are having suicidal thoughts or feelings.
Explore having a medication consultation to see if this may be helpful for you.
Seek guidance from an herbalist. Nutritionist, ayurvedic practitioner, or other modality of holistic care, and work with someone familiar with SAD
In essence, wintering isn't a season to dread or battle; it's an opportunity for introspection, self-nurturing, and rejuvenation. Like the seeds and trees, there's profound beauty and wisdom in embracing the ebb and flow of life's seasons. Winter may be a time of withdrawal but also a season of transformation and renewal. Embrace it, and you might find yourself rejuvenated and ready to flourish when your personal springtime arrives. If possible, allow yourself the time and space to heal, rest, and be nurtured. After all, wintering and early wintering aren't signs of weakness or stagnation but rather a vital phase in the ever-turning wheel of life.
Disclaimer: This blog post is crafted with the assistance of Chat GPT-4 for research and editing purposes. No advertisements or paid affiliations are associated with its content.
Comments