We can liken our process of receiving a balanced amount of sunlight and watering to hibernation. We must have times when we recharge, adjust, and adapt to changes in our lives in order to maintain health and wholeness. Hibernation tends to have the connotation that leads us to believe it isn't healthy, but hibernation is extremely important.
Animals that hibernate in the Winter slow down and conserve their energy by resting, so they can be more alert and adapt to their surroundings. Don't athletes and soldiers take time to strategically plan what their next tactic will be, and go through rehabilitation to make themselves faster, stronger, and healthier, rather than becoming severely injured, and suddenly pulled out of the action?
We live in a time when everything is instant and fast paced, but we are left with burned out, injured, and dysfunctional people...
Moments of meaningful meditation, rejuvenating renewal, and refreshing reflection give us charges of energy and awareness. Instead of being depleted and discouraged by overwhelming situations, we gain insight, discipline, and foresight because we have been watered. We must deliberately force ourselves to slow down and have moments of hibernation. It will help us tremendously in the long run.
We will wake healthier!
We will come out stronger!
We will live wiser!
We will endure longer!
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
http://www.wikipedia.com
(Gillian Carson Picture)