The world is in turmoil.
Ukraine is being destroyed – men fight and die while women and children flee.
Closer to home, children went to school eager and carefree – but were stalked by terror and death.
Families and communities grieve -will nothing change?
I think the pandemic is over – and then there is another variant, another wave.
How does one cope with the headlines and the newscasts?

I try to reframe my days with the simplicity and beauty that Tara Shannon presents through Rabbit and Bear.©Tara Shannon
“What’s the matter, Rabbit? asked Bear
“I feel anxious . . . like the ground is falling away under my feet,” said Rabbit.
“What do you see around you? asked Bear.
Rabbit paused. ” . . .I see you, and the sky, the trees, flowers, birds and grass.”
“What do you hear? asked Bear.
“Your voice, the birds singing, the rustling of the leaves as the wind blows through, and the sound of water flowing in the stream,” said Rabbit.
“What can you smell and taste? asked Bear.
“The flowers and this lovely cup of tea you made for me, said Rabbit.
Now . . . what do you feel? asked Bear.
“The ground, solid under my feet.” said Rabbit, “and love. I feel loved.”
©Tara Shannon 2022

I stepped outside. I looked and listened and smelled the world in my backyard.

I saw the natural world where wild strawberries still bloom and birds still sing while building nests. The earth smelled clean and glowed after a cleansing rain.
The earth will dry again, and my fears and worries will return, but for now they have been washed away.

Thank you, Bear, for your advice to Rabbit.