Facing the Bear

One thing we all love about Prince charming is that he slays the dragon. We breathe a collective sigh of relief when he rides in on the horse and wields his sword. We hold our breath in anticipation but deep inside we know he is going to complete his rescue mission with flying colors. It’s why we cheer when he shows up. Protection has arrived. We feel safe and know happily ever after is only moments away. Why? Prince Charming is symbolic of love. Love sleighs the dragons and therefore it removes fear. When there are no snorting, sniveling, beasts blowing their fiery, toxic waste our way we feel safe and secure and are set free to live our best life.

Our family has a cabin in North Carolina. My daughters and I were vacationing there one summer and took a hike on one of the many trails encircling the area. We were nearly back to our cabin when a black bear popped its head up and watched us walk past. My daughter, Journey, was terrified and set out to run. I grabbed her hand and said walk calmly with me. If you run, he might chase you. Her palms were sweating, and I could nearly hear her heart palpitating. She was a mess. I spoke calmly and softly and said you will be fine. Just stay with me. She relaxed and squeezed my hand tightly. Together we walked towards safety. The bear followed us for a while and then lost interest. I’ll never forget that day. I wasn’t sure what would happen. I haven’t heard of many black bear attacks. I think he was more curious than anything. However, I was certain if he did come after us, I was prepared to confront him so Journey could get to safety. I didn’t fear the bear because in my heart, I felt the bear knew I cared for it too. If wild animals can sense things, maybe the bear sensed my love for my own cub, for nature and her as well. Maybe that’s why she followed. Maybe she wasn’t seeking a meal but companionship. In any case no one was hurt in the incident.

Sometimes, in life a threatening presence will manifest and begin to stalk. This usually happens when life is going great, and we are at our happiest. We share our good news, post a picture of a new relationship or a new friendship we have cultivated or perhaps a new adventure we are embarking on. Suddenly people, who we haven’t heard from in a while, take a keen interest. They may be curious as to what we are up to. They may be excited for us but somehow, we fear their plans may be to devour us and destroy our happiness.

Or perhaps we are the bear. We see a post of someone having a good fortune come their way, perhaps a new boyfriend, an engagement, a promotion, or a significant life event of some kind. Instead of smiling and thinking, good for them, we begin stalking their profile, looking for a reason to criticize and devour them. We prowl around, messaging friends and asking questions, secretly hoping we receive scandalous information about their good fortune so we can feast on satisfaction. This is not love. It is the complete opposite. Perhaps we think they do not deserve our love. Perhaps we have convinced ourselves that our dislike for them is justified. Perhaps they have not been kind to us. Perhaps they have caused us grief. But love forgives, even if the person hasn’t asked. You give although you may not get anything in return. Eventually you will. The karma boomerang also comes back and gives kindness for kindness. You will harvest what you plant whether it’s good seeds or weeds.

Love will hold tightly to someone’s hand and walk them to safety with assurance. Love will never leave them or forsake them. Love will step in front of the devourer, if need be, to protect a friend. Once love faces the bear the bear may realize that it is loved too but it is not allowed to destroy. Not having anything disparaging to achieve, it will lose interest and walk away. Love takes chances and love will always save the day. Love never fails.