February Cabin Fever

Somehow I think it is time that we (in the Northern Hemisphere) admit that Cabin Fever has set in quite seriously!  (In case you are wondering…Cabin Fever is…a state characterized by anxiety, restlessness, and boredom, arising from a prolonged stay in a remote or confined place. ~dictionary.com)

We endured a couple of polar vortexes, ice shoves, frost quakes, and 17 wind chill advisories this season (two is the norm for the winter).  However, I think those 10,000 Sturgeon fisher-persons out on the nearby lake truly enjoyed this weather. They actually build a little cabin known as an ice shanty, and drill a large hole in the lake and stare into the hole hoping to spear a prehistoric looking fish – competing to get the “big one.”  No Cabin Fever for them – maybe Fish-Fever!

But I find myself looking at my calendar counting the days ‘til spring and hoping that the folks in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying their summer.  We know in the posture of the spiritual life, it is always the invitation to stay in the present and to be present to the Presence.  However, I sometimes get hooked with the “Hallmark” syndrome and get pulled into the next season way before its time.

 So in my next postings, I share a few Cabin Fever musings on what some may be pondering as we feverishly try to stay present to the Presence.

 

An Ice Shove at Lake Winnebago

 For Courage

When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside,

When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen,

When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,
Steady yourself and see
That it is your own thinking
That darkens your world,

Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light,
Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.

Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.
Close your eyes.
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark.

That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear.
A new confidence will come alive
To urge you toward higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding threshold!
(From To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue)