01/05/2023
Healing with Rabbit & Bear...
Subject/themes:
trauma, generational trauma, abuse
By: T. Shannon ©️
Bear sits alone in the moonlight as Rabbit approaches.
“What are you doing?” asked Rabbit.
“Healing,” said Bear.
“Did something break?” asked Rabbit.
“Yes," said Bear, "but it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it used to.”
“When did it break?” asked Rabbit.
“A long time ago,” said Bear. “Actually, it was given to me.”
“I don’t understand,” said Rabbit.
“I didn’t either,” said Bear...“I asked for help, but everyone else was broken too. They didn't have time, or know how to help me. For a long time, I thought being broken was normal.”
“If you didn’t have help, how did you realise it wasn’t normal?” asked Rabbit.
“It didn’t feel right to always be sad and angry,” said Bear. “And worst of all, I would hurt those I cared about most because of it.”
“How?” asked Rabbit.
“I thought I was unlovable, and that sooner or later others would see that too," said Bear. "So, to save us all the trouble, I would say and do unkind things."
“Did they get upset with you?” asked Rabbit.
“They did,” said Bear. “So, I told them everything was their fault. And, that just made things worse.”
“It wasn’t their fault, but it wasn’t yours either," said Rabbit.
“If I treat someone badly because I’m hurting inside, that is my fault,” said Bear. “I can’t change what happened to me, but... I can change.”
“How?” asked Rabbit.
“I sat in my own shadow for awhile, thinking about what made me feel broken,” said Bear, “and, then I started asking questions and that began a journey. On that journey I met others like me, who were just starting out. Then I met some who had been journeying much longer, and they held up a light to help us through. Together, we helped each other, and slowly I started to feel better... I was beginning to heal.”
"Can anyone go on a journey like yours?” asked Rabbit.
“Not everyone can see that they need to,” said Bear. “And, then there are some who don't need to at all because someone took the journey before them so they wouldn't have to.”
“What’s the hardest part of the journey?” asked Rabbit.
“Realising and admitting there’s something broken, and wanting help,” said Bear,
“But you did it,” said Rabbit.
“I did,” said Bear.
“And, now you’re healed,” said Rabbit.
“No,” said Bear. “There will always be more steps to take, or retake, and that’s okay.”
“How many steps have you taken?” asked Rabbit.
“Thousands,” said Bear. “Every one worth it.”
“Healing sounds like hard work.” said Rabbit.
“It is,” said Bear. “But it’s important to remember that there are no rules, and you can take as much time, and as many breaks, as you need.”
“Do you think I can heal too?” asked Rabbit.
“I know you can,” said Bear.
~The beginning...
***
Image text:
“Healing is hard work.” said Bear. “Take as many breaks as you need.”
©Tara Shannon
