Winter Hibernation

It has been a bitter winter so far and I have been “curled” into myself since Christmas. It feels unusual and yet it feels good since I live in a beach town that is often busy with bathers and others getting away from the city to enjoy the sun and water. But now I have finally gotten out of the house to venture into New York City. A friend and I visited the Met for the better part of a day seeing Michelangelo’s drawings, paintings, sculptures and architectural works. It was truly amazing. I left my phone in my handbag preferring to enjoy them as I saw them. Then we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Met dining room overlooking Central Park covered in snow.  Energized, we went to another exhibition — David Hockney. Michelangelo’s work is from the Renaissance and the rooms are dark to protect their value and age and the rooms were very crowded. With Hockney, the rooms were full of colors- pinks and blues and vibrant greens and brilliant blue swimming pools. Everything burst forth and one was surrounded by energy and color. Summer has arrived.

Since burrowing out of my hibernation, I took a look at what helped me embrace winter in a new manner. First it was getting out of my apartment to see art that I might never see again. Moving the body with a rigorous walk through Central Park after the exhilarating visit to the Met. We walked over 6 miles. Seeing the the Park covered in snow with children tobogganing was magical.  I know I might go back into my hibernation when the winds howl and the temperatures drop as I return to the beach, but I now know how to get out and walk and see.