Weathering the Storm
Our community is filled with many dedicated recreationalists that enjoy both warm and cold seasons. Yet for many Central Oregon locals, the cold Spring seasons can feel rather drawn out. I often hear the jokes about getting “house-a-tosis” or “cabin fever” as well as the eagerness for the sun to shine again. I know for myself, I am looking forward to getting back out into my garden, feeling that first warm sun on my back, and enjoying the many hikes in our area.
I think seasonal changes can offer an opportunity for reflection, an impetus for change, and even a renewed sense of gratitude. There is one particular analogy that I often share with clients as it relates not only to seasonal fluctuations but also life challenges.
You know those moments in life where you feel like an actual light bulb goes off in your mind? Like as if you just heard something so profound that it takes you a minute to fully comprehend the sudden amount of learning or insight you just gained. I will never forget this experience of hearing a supervisor long ago share this visual analogy of “weathering the storm.”
He said, “there are two ways of weathering a storm. We know that bison can sense a storm coming, they hunker down together, and actually position themselves head forward and facing the storm. They know that the storm will brew, it will rise over them, but eventually it will pass. By hunkering down and accepting this storm must pass, they end up being in the storm for less time than the deer. Deer can also sense a storm coming and they begin to feel restless and skittish. Deer scurry around, running up and over hills, and by taking this approach they can actually be stuck in the storm for longer.” He followed up this analogy with the idea that we can “walk through” or try to “walk around” our hardships.
This analogy may not fit in every case of course, but I appreciate this perspective of “hunkering down.” Allowing us time and space for mindfulness of the present moment. An intentional time ideally spent being open to lessons that can be learned, insight that can be gained, and resiliency that can be formed. Lastly, I appreciate the correlation between the bison herd hunkering down together and this notion that we do not have to weather storms on our own. With community, connection, and/or meaningful support, we can walk through our journeys head forward.
