91Èȱ¬

On this midwinter day, with Christmas behind us and the New Year still to come, Mark Tully sits in front of an open fire and contemplates hibernation.

For some animals, hibernation is a natural state, brought about by changes in their bodily functions. We humans can’t hibernate as they do, but we do respond to the urge to escape the winter. For that we need a safe and secure refuge, and companionship – things we do share with those hibernating animals.

All too often, we feel that we must keep going in winter, ignoring the rhythm of the seasons and rushing around as we usually do. But stepping back from our daily commitments, and shutting ourselves away – hibernating, you might say – can bring us peace and joy; it can strengthen our faith and allow our creativity to flourish. Maybe, like WH Auden, Arnold Bax, Frédéric Chopin and many others, we should all pause now and then and hibernate, just for a little while.

Readers: Rachel Atkins and Paterson Joseph
Producer: Hannah Marshall
A 7digital production for 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4.