NOTICE the Bear.

Art by James Christensen

NOTICE the Bear.

Ever been in a situation where there is a huge problem, an uncomfortable situation, or a curiosity that just keeps your attention even though you keep trying to ignore it?  Just something that niggles your consciousness, pushes through your joy and lingers on the outside of your busyness?  That is the bear.  It is the big scary thing that you are trying to ignore.  Guess what, it won’t go away.  It will prod, push, growl and threaten until you turn around and face it. 

Perhaps, it will bite you.  Perhaps you won’t survive unscathed, but usually. . . it is just a figment.  It is just as frightened of being confronted as you are of confronting.  It often will just stare you in the eyes, see your resolve and power and slink silently back into the forest. 

The bear is in the room.  Giving him the attention he seeks will almost always satisfy him.  He is really just as willing to go his own way, as you are hopeful that he will, but not without being noticed. 

Take a moment.  Look your bear in the eyes.  Tell him he is noticed.  No judgment, no fear, no laughter, just notice him with the simple observation of a camera.  Take a picture if you want, give him a nod and go on your way, but notice him.  Give him a name and he’ll be sated.  Notice the bears in your world.