“The third light of Advent is the light of beasts, The light of hope that we may see in greatest and in least.”

The shops and supermarkets are frantic, the traffic is building, and the world seems determined to burn out before the 25th. But look at our remaining wild spaces, past the streetlights, and you see a very different story. This week, we honour the “Animal Kingdom”, and honestly, they have timeless wisdom to share.

If you want to learn how to survive a difficult season (or a chronic illness!), look to the animals for affirmation. They don’t apologise for resting. A badger doesn’t feel ‘guilty’ for sleeping off some of  January. A hedgehog doesn’t worry that its productivity is down because it’s hibernating. They know that energy is finite, and when the conditions are harsh, the smartest, most life-affirming thing you can do is conserve it.

As I navigate my diagnosis and ‘Spoonie’ life, I am embracing some ‘Animal Logic’. We need to rest. I’ve spent the last few days reading a book that talks about the waking times of different creatures for my **Wheel of the Year** project. It is strangely comforting to see that everything in nature has a time to sleep and a time to wake.

We are currently in the ‘sleeping time’. And that is okay. There is a peace in their stillness that I am trying to absorb. There is always interventions to the peace and quiet.

The Tawny Owls are reclaiming their territories. If you are awake in the dark (hello, insomnia club!), open a window. The nights are crisp and sound travels far. Listening for their call is a reminder that you aren’t the only one awake.

Selina x