Entering a Walking Hibernation

For the last several days, I have taken walks outside again. I have loved to breath in the fresh air, see the daffodils and tulips popping up through the soggy ground, and enjoy the beauty of the Creator. It is also good to hear the chatter of the children in our neighborhood out on their bicycles and playing at the park. After the long winter and a full year in a pandemic, we are finally coming out of our “hibernation” in multiple ways. 

We have just been through what most of the world is hoping to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The pandemic has taken its toll on each of us in different ways. Some have lost loved ones, others have lost jobs, but everyone has been impacted in some way.  

 

Even though we are seeing some improvement with lower daily numbers of new cases and deaths here in Indiana, and many are receiving their vaccines, the reality is that the crisis is still far from over. Don’t get me wrong, I think we are starting to get a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.   

As children we heard stories of bears coming out of hibernation after the long winter, but most people don’t know that for bears coming out of hibernation is not as simple as flipping a switch. Scientists describe the stage the bear enters after emerging from their den as a “walking hibernation.” A bear is lethargic for weeks, and wanders around trying to relate again to its surroundings and slowly over time they return to their former activity levels. In this time, they seek stable environments where they are able to develop their children and grow as a family, again.  

 

As we enter our own “walking hibernation,” remember that we may be a bit lethargic on our re-entry.  We may be finding new ways to relate and reorient to our surroundings.  It may not be that easy and at times we may feel a bit discouraged or uncomfortable.  Take your time, and only re-engage when you are ready – when your environment feels stable and safe. Just as when we entered this pandemic, we are going to need to slowly allow ourselves to adjust back to our new “normal.” And remember, we ALL are going through this “walking hibernation” time, so be kind to one another and walk with a sensitivity for your neighbor.