12/16/2025
I was recently mentoring a young man who asked why he is so tired right now. He is very dedicated, responsible, and committed so he was feeling disrespectful for zoning out and yawning.
I smiled at him encouragingly and explained that we are no different than all the other animals out there resting in the cold winter months.
We had a long conversation about how humans have forced ourselves to ignore Nature's rhythms and stories, instead insisting that we push ourselves in the times meant for rest. I told him the story of Worker Bees, one I'm not sure many people know.
You see, humans like to talk about the Worker Bee as the prime example of work ethic and pushing on until they die. Except, that's not how Worker Bees work at all. These little creatures, like their cousin- Water Spider- shouldn't be underestimated for what they have to teach us.
You see, Worker Bees born in the winter live four to six months instead of the four to six weeks their siblings survive who are born in warmer months.
Do you know why?
Because their bodies listen to Nature.
Everything slows, their little bodies padded with extra energy to protect the Queen and preserve the colony for when Nature warms and becomes vibrant again.
Winter is no different for humans.
The days are shorter and colder.
The plants and animals tucked away to rest.
And here we are buzzing around from place to place, trying to pretend things are just as swift and easy as they are in warmer times because we've forgotten we are part of Nature.
This time of year was never meant to be what it is today. Our Ancestors used winter to rest, repair the things that needed concentration and attention, and to prepare for the seasons to come.
When our bodies say, "Rest," listen.
That's Nature's way of reminding us there is a season for everything.
