In this cold, snowy month, fish rest beneath icy lakes, and animals sleep in tree hallows and earthen dens. I never really thought about hibernation until I discovered Gayle Boss’ beautiful, fascinating devotional All Creation Waits.
In it, she describes the how of hibernation, and her descriptions filled me with wonder. Did you know that in winter, bees survive simply by shivering together? Twenty thousand bees in their hive making the lightest vibration together can raise the temperature to a toasty 92 degrees. Frogs nestled in mud beneath leaves enter “extreme tolerance” where their heart rate and metabolism slow so much that ice crystals form under their skin, and somehow this is not a problem. Most remarkably, a mama bear in her den can give birth without waking. Her cubs know just what to do—they nurse and slumber beside their mama until she wakes (as much as two months after their birth) to meet them for the first time.
In the natural world, a winter slowdown is not a luxury but a necessity. Animals have intricate adaptations that allow for survival in the harshest of circumstances. Nature, in her quiet wisdom, reminds us that hibernation is sometimes the path to survival.
For those who grieve, the urge to slow down and retreat can be powerful, especially in winter. A little bit of hibernation can be good for the grieving spirit—time to rest, recover and heal. While full hibernation is not possible for most of us humans, we can find ways to integrate more quietness into our lives. We can be still in the morning—even if just for a few moments—to watch the sunrise through the bare tree branches. We can remember that we are part of something larger than ourselves and, although winter is long and harsh, that quiet miracles are unfolding beneath the snow, and perhaps even in our own hearts. Ultimately, even the slow path (perhaps especially the slow path) leads us through winter and into spring.
Optage Hospice Chaplain Jenny Schroedel facilitates grief groups across PHS sites and in the larger community. Jenny is also an author, most recently of Naming The Child: Hope-filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death.
If you are interested in joining a group, contact Optage Hospice or call 651-746-8200. Optage is the home and community services division of Presbyterian Homes & Services.