Fight, Flight or Freeze
Lent | Our Wilderness Response
Fellow Pilgrim,
I'm checking in to see how your journey has been so far. We've been traveling for over a week now -- exploring the wilderness during this season of Lent.
Reminder: Lent is the 40 days before Easter (minus Sundays) that represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness before the start of his ministry. Lent is a season in the church that provides space for fasting, confession, and self-examination as we prepare for Easter.
When I start something new, I usually have lots of energy and enthusiasm at the beginning. My eyes are wide with possibility, and I look forward to the process of exploring. It does not take long, however, for the 'new adventure' energy to wear off.
Last year, Andrew and I went on an 8-mile hike at the base of Mt. Hood in Oregon. The trail crossed paths with multiple waterfalls and had a beautiful view of Mt. Hood. We packed plenty of water and could not have asked for a more beautiful day. My hiking app told me this was an ‘easy-moderate’ level hike, and the trail was clearly marked.
We were excited to embark on this adventure.
We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.
We live in Mississippi. The flattest of flat states, and truthfully -- I don't think my hiking app understands an 'easy-moderate' level hike. We were about the 3 miles in, my heart was pounding, I couldn’t catch my breath, and my toes were numb from the pressure in my hiking boots. I did not know if I could finish five more miles. But if we turned around now, it was basically the same as finishing the hike. So we had no choice but to keep going.
Reflecting on this hike, I'm reminded that there comes a point in any wilderness journey when we begin to question our choices, our capabilities, and our plans.
…there comes a point in any wilderness journey when we begin to question our choices, our capabilities, and our plans.
I think about the Israelites in Exodus 16. God has delivered them from slavery. They experienced the parting of the Red Sea. They trusted and followed Moses into the wilderness as they searched for the promised land. But halfway through the 2nd month of their journey, the Israelites began to complain. They were hungry. They were tired. They wanted to go back to Egypt.
Whose idea was this?! Where are we even going? Why didn't I pack more snacks? This hiking applied to me! How do these other hikers make it look so easy?
Anxiety creeps in. Survival mode activates.
Our nervous systems have three main responses when faced with anxiety:
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
3 miles into our wilderness journey, when turning around makes no sense, these are our automatic responses.
So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed, questioning your choices, or struggling with all the thoughts and emotions that come with the wilderness, this is for you.
What is your typical response when faced with anxiety? The unknown? Doubt?
Fight
God says. I’ve got this one. It’s okay. I will fight for you. Put down your weapons and unclench your fists. Put your hand on your chest, feel your heartbeat, and breathe deeply. I am here.
Flight
God says. Take me by the hand. You don’t have to run anymore. I will walk with you. Let’s sit awhile. I will be here the whole time. You are not alone.
Freeze
God says. I will stand with you for as long as you need. Deep breath. Let your shoulders sink down. Let your eyes look around at what is happening all around you. Grace abounds.
May these words bring comfort as we continue our journey in the wilderness.
The comment section is open for reflections below.
Grace on your journey,
Amber Lea
Excellent!