These words are taken from the Booka Manifesto which we put together just after the shop opened, to capture the essence and ethos of our bookshop and the space we wanted to create.
Thirteen years later, the words and sentiment are still relevant and the core of who we are and what we do at Booka.
Historically, we are encouraged to start the New Year by taking on new habits. It can all be a little exhausting and de-moralising. Exercise fads come and go and in the aftermath of the pandemic, the feeling of burn out is impacting more and more of us. The talk has turned to the importance of ‘Rest’.
This is the time of year when our bodies and minds want to hibernate, to slow down and wait out the winter with its short days and cold weather. Instead of dreading this time, it seems sensible to embrace it and seize the opportunity to ‘restore’ our depleted energies, to replenish our reserves.
Never has reading, as a restful, meditative and restorative process, been so important. Sometimes we need books for excitement and escapism, but we also need books that help slow time and distil gentle wisdom. Restorative reading is my new thing.
Katherine May’s book ‘Wintering’ is well worth a read at this time of year. It makes connections with the ebb and flow of our lives and how that is reflected in the seasons. We will all experience difficult times in life and Katherine points out the importance of rest, taking time to repair and weather our emotional, physical and spiritual energies.
‘The Art of Rest’ by Claudia Hammond takes a more scientific approach to the benefits of rest. Based on clinical research that provides evidence that ‘rest’ can directly impact our well-being. It examines the top ten ways that people get rest.
The early part of the year is a time to rejoice in the simple things – a warm drink, a cosy blanket, a roaring fire, a hot bath, a good book. Hunker down and make plans for when the weather is better and the days lighter.
It might help to be more ‘Skandi’ in our attitude. Countries in the Northern hemisphere all experience short, dark days in the winter but it is worth remembering that the UK is not as dark as countries further North. In Sweden during January, the sun rises at 8.47 am and sets at 2.55 pm.
The Swedes have adapted their life-style to this and embrace the darkness by lighting candles, taking walks in the dark (head torch recommended!) and making their homes as cosy as possible. Engaging in quiet activities like reading books, retreating to the sofa, indulging in hot baths. Practising what the Swedes call ‘Hygge’ can help us navigate this time of year.
Eating comfort food and being thankful for the little things – wrap your hands around a mug of tea or hot chocolate and just ‘be’.
‘Snow Food’ by Lindor Wink is a delicious example of a seasonal cookbook that offers an array of warming winter recipes. We are also big fans of keeping it simple and Pru Leith’s ‘Bliss on Toast’ and Anna Jones’ ‘One Pot, Pan, Planet’, full of ideas for tasty, quick and comforting meals that nourish and sustain.
If you need a moment to stop time and re-energise your soul, my top two tips are:
‘Nightwalking’ by John Lewis-Stempel. This slim volume transports the reader to the quiet beauty of the night, starry skies, nocturnal animals and the changing seasons. It is a multi-sensory delight filled with the scents, sounds and sensations of being outside in the latter part of the day with a four-legged friend for company.
‘An Indigo Summer’ by Ellie Evelyn Orrell is a sublime memoir focusing on creativity and how it can help heal a broken heart. It is lulling, lyrical and completely captivating. The art of Indigo dying is central to the book as both Ellie and her artist Mum, sit with and navigate their way through the landscape of grief. There is sadness, but it is also a celebration of the natural world, the creative process, cake and copious mugs of tea. Sense of place, family history and mother, daughter relationships add depth and a sense of connection. Ellie’s writing is an ode to the Welsh landscape, artistic endeavour, the changing seasons and living a peaceful, quiet existence.
So don’t feel pressured into making radical changes to your life, resist being pushed out of your comfort zone.
Instead restore and re-story yourself by being more Booka: