Sunning squirrels and human torpor
Life from the maples: mindful journal prompts, gentle read recos, birdsong—and stories that take flight
There’s an aspect to a cat’s yawn that seems ferocious. It’s in the middle of the yawn when the canines shoot out of the mouth, jaw wide: the cat could be a Bengal Tiger in a mangrove forest ready to attack its prey (moi). Yet then that same "tiger" leaps off the window, purring at my feet to be fed. Context is everything.
Except when it isn’t.
Like when a red squirrel slumbers on a lilac branch, not caring that my cat’s watching her or that I’m standing a couple of feet away. She fastens her head to the tree, possibly listening for spring.
I looked up this odd squirrel behaviour and learned that she may be in a state of "torpor.”: "The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.”* I can relate to this feeling of hibernating and bodily inactivity, having had Long Covid for close to two years. Sometimes I think that if I stay still long enough, perhaps the illness will forget I exist and simply go away.
As for the squirrel, it’s more likely she’s sunning herself (still there an hour and counting as I write this). And that's exactly what I try to do each day in the midst of fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations; the list goes on: follow the sun; imagine the sap moving in the maples; spot the light over the tree line as sun rises and sets.
I’ve found that sometimes stillness is the greatest action, and even in the most unexpected places—like in a body with an illness—we can find beauty and peace.
📚A gentle read
This week, I’m reading The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick:
While I’m new to reading for pure pleasure (I know!), I love how the author’s teaching me to savour the pace and enjoy the scenery. I’m trying this week to not follow the news every waking hour, while being charmed by this gentle and agreeable “beach” read.
📝 Mindful writing exercise
Each time I write to you, I offer a mindful journal prompt—an invitation to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself through writing. These prompts are not about perfect sentences or deep reflection (unless you want them to be). They’re a moment to meet yourself on the page with curiosity and kindness.
This week’s prompt: Spring awakening
This exercise can help to bridge your inner experience with the outer seasonal changes. With this prompt, we practice both sensory awareness and reflective writing.
Take 15-20 minutes to sit outside with a notebook in a natural setting like a forest, park, rooftop garden, or even a windowsill with a potted plant. If you live in a city, perhaps you notice birds returning to fire scapes or telephone poles; new leaves on trees, buds forming on flowers in the local community garden, or the shifting quality of light between buildings. If you live in the country, you might hear the sounds of nearby creeks or rivers rushing from excess rain and snow melt. Or the busyness of birds and critters like squirrels seeking food or materials to build nests.
Follow these steps:
Begin with 2 minutes of slow-paced breathing while observing your surroundings. Notice three signs of spring using different senses like a smell, sound, visual.
Select one of these observations and write about it for 5 minutes, describing it and your impressions of it. Then shift to reflect: What's waking up within me this spring? What seeds am I planting?
🥣 Something to clear the cobwebs
I’m off coffee for now and have been enjoying the earthy notes of my fav matcha. Matcha helps with sustained energy without the crashes. It’s high in antioxidants, has more vitamins, and can improve focus and memory. It’s also delicious:
1 teaspoon high-quality matcha powder
1 tablespoon hot water (not boiling, around 175°F)
1 cup oat milk (you can substitute for soya or almond or other milks)
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (or stevia)
Sift the matcha powder into a cup or bowl to remove any clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is dissolved and slightly frothy. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling. If using a sweetener, stir it into your matcha mixture. Pour the warm milk into your matcha while stirring.
This latte is perfect for a mindful writing session! The L-theanine in matcha provides a calm focus, and combines with the sensory experience of earthy flavours and velvety texture.
Thank you for being here. Take what you need, leave the rest, and know that your words—even the messy, unfinished ones—matter.
Looking for more mindful journal prompts? You’ll find some at mindful writing prompts.
Yours in Ink & Earth,
Lissa M. Cowan
I am grateful to live, work + play on the unsurrendered traditional lands of the Algonquin people.
*The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition