XI.
ON AVOIDING CABIN FEVER
I’ve heard the words “cabin fever” invoked several times this week. The counsel to keep physical – or social – distance has led to many of us being confined to our homes, except for shopping. Over the past two weeks, my world has been a triangle between my home, my son’s and daughter-in-law’s to pick up our grandchildren, and Craigville Beach. Like many, I’m used to getting out whenever I want and going wherever I want. I am spending more time every day with my wife for most of our marriage, and generally this is a great joy.
Cabin fever is a state of mind. Remember Nelson Mandela spending 27 years in prison on Robben Island. Or, Martin Luther King writing “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” while doing time for civil disobedience. Anne Frank creates a lovely diary while in hiding from the Nazis. Socrates only left Athens once and Jesus never traveled more than fifty miles from his birthplace. Yet, all of them had spirits that ranged far beyond their geographical limitations.
If God is the circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere, then wherever you are, God is present. Inspiration can occur right where you are. Love can grow during a time of self-sequestering.
Still, there are things we can do as antidotes to cabin fever:
+ We can safely walk in our neighborhood or the beach and other beauty spots, if we are not under quarantine, and keeping a physical distance.
+ We can look at the heavens at night, meditating on the beauty of the universe.
+ We can gaze out our window, noting beauty all around us.
+ We can phone friends and family, email, message, and participate in on-line groups.
+ We can learn to meditate.
+ We can read books.
+ We can play games with housemates – this is especially good for children.
+ We can explore a new skill or activity – write poetry, draw, journal.
+ We can turn on educational programs, nature, history, etc.
+ We can on-line resources from libraries and museums.
+ We can pray!
We may be indoors, but our souls can range the universe. We can have big spirits in a small place!
Lord, help us become large spirits. Deliver us from boredom and impatience that we might discover your glory right where we are. Amen.
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