Few Problems Are Bears
"The trick is to see people as they are. Not how they project themselves, or how you see them."
20250624
Prompt from PrideOnThePage
These characters were previously seen here.
Thus far, assisting a saint involved far less meditation and study than Susan had expected, and far more listening to people complain about petty mundane issues.
Neighbour’s children had damaged a prized rose bush. A worker and boss both claimed the other was short-changing them. A young woman was frustrated by her fiancé’s hesitance to wed.
Though it all Anna listened intently. Poured drinks. Asked gentle questions - and issued loving but firm shushes when someone else tried to interject or speak over. Around and back and forth she went, ensuring each voice was not only aired, but heard.
And under that pensive, peaceful focus, problems unravelled.
Susan watched in awe. Trying to puzzle out how it worked. For while it clearly wasn’t a miracle (she could feel only a touch of Maevra’s presence) it was certainly miraculous. Angry embattlements melting and the people huddled behind coming forward to build bridges. Not driven by any outside force, no pressure applied, no reward offered. Simply caring goodwill.
“The trick,” Anna told her, “is to see people as they are. Not how they project themselves, or how you see them. Let Maevra’s compassion clear your sight. Once you see where people truly are, you’ll often be surprised how close they stand. And once someone feels understood, they realise they’re safe. That they can put down the shields and see each other.”
“If it’s that simple, why do people pick up shields at all?”
“Our minds are impatient. We want everything to make sense. So we seize upon the first certainty and rarely look further. If a bear is walking towards you, it’s easiest to assume it’s after you and be frightened. Far harder to examine its face, and how it places its feet, then look behind you to see what else it might be walking towards.”
Anna smiled and added “Of course, when dealing with a bear caution is wise. Swift care can be better than full understanding. But few problems are bears. So to speak. Yet our minds leap to assumptions and tend towards fear. It is important to be calm and look again. Look deep.”
Susan nodded slowly. Yes, that was the key; everyone became calmer as Anna guided them through the grievance. The calm she carried wasn’t like the stillness of mediation, an inward calm, but rather an outward peace which touched everyone who listened. Smoothing ruffled feathers and raised hackles. Inviting slower breaths and open hearts.
“Compassion roots in understanding. To bring peace we must first see, and hear, and embrace the struggle. Only once everyone is together can we move forward.” Anna sighed. “And sometimes people are reluctant to put down their shields. Afraid to step close. Then we must sit with them, between the lines they’ve drawn, and offer them as much patience as Maevra can bless us with.”
Susan giggled, then covered her mouth contritely.
Anna smiled and winked. “Patience is one of Her blessings for a reason, my child. And a valuable blessing it is.”
Prompt was “Radiance”.