A winter hike
By cat on Dec 29, 2021 02:55 pm
A couple weeks ago, we went on another of our spontaneous car trips up the mountain. We’re really only a 2-hour drive from the very top of the highest peak of the highest mountain around here, a mountain we’re lucky to see from home - an especially warming sight during those cold winter months, when it is the only speckle of snow here in Western Iberia!
I’ve been feeling tired lately, for no good reason. I always try to snuggle for an extra 15 minutes in bed every morning, and getting up feels like the first of the many tasks of a long day. It’s not a very comforting feeling, and I’m not sure if this is my body asking me for something I’m not providing or just… Hibernation. Winter is, after all, the time of the year to take stock and give in to rest.
Resting, however, is easier said than done. And one thing I’ve noticed is that it looks different for everyone. If you ask my mom, for example, she might say that running the half-marathon is rest for her, as it is a moment away from work and responsibilities, where she can just run free (no pun intended!) and feel emotionally recharged afterwards. Rest, for me, is a moment away from screens, job obligations and emails to reply to, writing deadlines and photography deliveries. I realize that my rest is not standing still, instead feeling still.
So, on a Friday, we left. We tackled everything we wanted to do that day shortly after lunch, so we packed the car and drove to the mountain. On the way, we picked up our good friend Cecília, because moments like these are often best when shared with loved ones.
And even though the snow had already melted, these couple of days were a marvelous moment of rest, paired with some lovely food, dreamy landscapes and magical hikes.
And you know, it was just what this country mouse of yours needed.
I hope the new year brings you moments and opportunities to honor rest, however that looks like for you ✨
Yours,
a much more settled down Cat