The answer is: Sleeping

Jonah 1:5 - It seems strange to think he was asleep through the raging storm while all the sailors where above in a state of panic.

In the Book of Jonah, we encounter an unforgettable moment where our reluctant prophet takes a snooze during an intense storm. Picture it: winds howling, waves crashing, and seasoned sailors frantically trying to save their ship, while Jonah is down below, blissfully unaware or unconcerned. This unexpected contrast highlights Jonah's attempt to escape his divine mission, and his sleep symbolizes the spiritual slumber that can engulf us when we avoid our responsibilities.

Interestingly, this scenario might remind you of another profound sleep—think of Jesus calming the storm in the Gospel of Mark, where his disciples panic while he rests peacefully in the stern of the boat. In both instances, there's a stark contrast between the disturbances outside and the calmness of those below deck. It teaches us about the different ways people respond to chaos.

Furthermore, Jonah’s descent into the hold of the ship can be seen as a deeper metaphor for his descent into moral and spiritual confusion, trying to flee from the call of compassion offered to the people of Nineveh. It’s almost prophetic—showing people who ignore their conscience might find themselves in a self-inflicted storm of despair and confusion.

Historical trivia: Some scholars argue that the fierce storm itself serves as an allegorical character in Jonah, representing the turmoil that arises from evading one's duties or truths. Overall, this fascinating tale reminds us not just of divine intervention, but of the human inclination to flee—and the struggles that ensue.