HOW WILL YOU BE AESTIVATING THIS SUMMER?

Nature has a way for us to rest, regroup and redirect our lives, says Caroline Sylger Jones

Nature has a way for us to rest, regroup and redirect our lives, writes Retreat Editor Caroline Sylger Jones

HAVE YOUR FOUR WALLS been a welcome sanctuary these past months? Perhaps, far from being desperate to return to your old way of living, you’re more comfortable and content with your new, home-centric normal. You are not alone. You can, however, be creative about how to make the most of your summer and recharge your batteries. Let’s face it, we’ve been all been through the mill.

Even if you could travel freely, and the world and her husband hadn’t booked every last campsite, B&B, hotel and self-catering cottage as far as the eye can see, chances are that you don’t want to chase ‘the ultimate British staycation’ – because it doesn’t feel right and you are not ready to switch back to how things were… yet.

If so, there’s a simple and natural way of making staying at home a joyful, retreat-like experience, while avoiding the ‘same old, same old’ feeling that threatens when you do not leave your home and physically go on holiday. Aestivation is the scientific name for the practice of summer hibernation, and we can take our lead from the natural world.

What is aestivation?

Yes, we’re more used to the idea of hibernation in winter – ‘hiber’ is the Latin root word for winter – when many animals sleep for a few months to get out of the cold and conserve their energy when food is scarce. But some creatures, particularly in hot, dusty countries, will enter a similar state in summer during extreme heat and drought. Desert tortoises, Nile crocodiles, four-toed hedgehogs, cactus mice, ladybirds, snails, salamanders and red-legged frogs can all have a summer sleep, during which they lower their heart rate and metabolism as a survival strategy.

We can harness this idea as a beautiful metaphor if we choose to stay in one place this summer to be calm, rally and grow personally. Getting the process right involves some planning. Firstly, make a pledge to yourself to retreat for

whatever period works for you. It could be an hour a day, a day a week, a weekend a month, a week, a fortnight or even a month. You will know what feels right and what you can achieve.

Next, create a beautiful space for your retreat. Identify and clean an area for your activities, and make it comfortable and inviting. It could be a room in your house, an area of your garden or even a tent on the lawn. The key is to make the space yours – somewhere you can be still.

Thirdly, set an intention around what you want from your retreat. Is there something in particular that you wish to learn or explore? If you have the budget and time, draw in help for a focused experience, such as a bespoke virtual retreat with an expert.

Lastly, fill in the detail by carving out a light daily schedule that is manageable for your retreat. Allow it to give you the space and time to achieve your goals.

One key rule is that even if you are at home with family, you are in retreat mode and do so fully. Coach Jessica Mcgregor Johnson explains: ‘Set it up in advance and let people know you are not available. Turn off your phone, computer and TV. Plan ahead so you can nurture yourself with healthy meals, baths, relaxing music, uplifting books and inspiring podcasts.’

Devising a gentle rhythm of morning, afternoon and evening activities is a good place to start for some, but don’t be too prescriptive. Lean in and listen to yourself and your needs, and the right path will unfold.

You may want to start your day with journalling or meditation, body brushing or gentle movement. Your mornings could be spent writing, drawing or painting, making and reconnecting with your dreams and ambitions. Afternoons might be spent dancing, running, walking or swimming and, in the evenings, you could try yoga nidra, massage or simply watching the fading light.

Rest is vital. Relaxation is crucial. Try to finish every day with a list of a things that felt meaningful or inspired awe, no matter how small.

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