The next phase of reopening after a year of pandemic-changed living is making me want to root down a bit deeper and do some contemplation. Thanks to my youngest son's love of the natural world (and the amazing show Tiny World) I've learned a bit about aestivation lately. Where animals lie dormant in hot and dry months, especially in the desert, waiting for more hospitable conditions. This period of inactivity with a slower metabolic rates allows the animal to conserve energy and stabilize their internal systems, which sounds pretty good about right now.

This week begins summer for my family, and we are taking a trip to family in Ohio. My goal is to lay low, conserve energy, and perhaps do some reflection about what has happened this year and when I'll be ready to be in a more active state.

(More on estivation / aestivation)