Hibernation and Restoration During the Winter

A FIVE-PART SERIES FOR THE WINTER SEASON

An official welcome to winter! For those that live in the Midwest, we recently received an intense ice storm and boy….it was a doozy! But in all truth, there is really nothing new under the sun, this is not the first snow and ice storm we have here and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

However, you, O Lord, are always present to protect me, and you grant life to my spirit; you will restore me to health and enable me to live. Isaiah 38:16

Part 1

In today’s blog, I want to spend time talking about the winter season, what it brings to your body, soul and spirit and how to take advantage of this season of hibernation and restoration. Overall, restoration in each of these areas (body, soul and spirit) is the perfect opportunity to come closer spiritually and go deep into what the Lord is speaking to you, the same goes in the physical, mental and emotional aspect.

So what is hibernation?

It is a state of deep rest and inactivity, some synonyms are retreat, sleep, lie low, seclude oneself, go quiet.

Focusing on the physical body it means: to heal, recover your energy and sleep.
In the mental and emotional state, it means stress relief, emotional reset, creativity and focus
In the Spiritual, it means faith renewal and healing the soul

And what is restoration?

It is the process of renewing, repairing or replenishing.

Both hibernation and restoration are interconnected, to hibernate is also to restore, it’s not just the animals that hibernate to conserve energy, repair their bodies, and survive challenging conditions during the winter but also as humans, we also are conserving energy, repairing our bodies through the winter season.

As you look at your physical and mental and spiritual state; do you find it hard sometimes to work out? Do you just want to stay in bed more hours or all day? Do you prefer to drink something warm or hot? Crave broths or soups? All this is normal, the body wants to rest during the winter months and it's important to use this time to conserve your body, mental and emotional state, especially restore your relationship with the Lord. This time is not a coincidence, and it should not be taken lightly.

Stay tuned for more in our five-part series....

Coach Rio