Weekly challange to me

[baronessekat]

The Grass Child sat quietly in the warm spring sun, watching the comings and goings of those around her. That was how she spent the majority of her time… watching.

People were always amazed at how insightful she was to situations and people, and that amazement amused her to no end. But what was insight anyway but just perspective observation of things?

The tribe seemed always shocked that she was never surprised when Standing Mountain would act out without seeming to think on the consequences and be later shocked when people were upset with him. Or when Laughing Shadow would hiss and attack when crowded with real or perceived influences. Or when Screaming Crow would live up to her namesake and rage suddenly only to be moments later laughing and playing.

She watched people. That was what made her able to best act in her role of Medicine Woman. But even when others watched, they never seemed to really see.

That is the nature of being a person. They want to see what they want to see and not what is really there. They hear what they want to hear and not what is really said.

She once listened to Silent Wind as he complained that he couldn’t talk to Stands Proud. She would nod encouragingly as he said that he has tried but she seems to talk in a completely different language even though they use the same words.

“To really ‘hear’ it is not just to say know what ‘red’ means to you. You must also find out what ‘red’ means to the person you are speaking to,” she had said to the young man one afternoon. And like most of the tribe when they asked her for advice, he gave her “the look”. It was one that told her that they thought that she spoke in riddles and was clearly insane. It was a look she was more than used to. In fact, Standing Mountain had given her that same look not too long ago.

“Red is red,” Silent Wind protested. The Grass Child smiled. “Perhaps. But perhaps it is not just the concept of ‘red’ that must be dealt with. But in what context. Perhaps for someone the color red is important when it is used to describe a type of flower, or a piece of clothing. When they say ‘I don’t like red’ it might be that at the time they are saying it, they are looking at a red blanket that reminds of them of a time when they were small and they had a red blanket and had a nightmare, so now they associate red blankets with nightmares.”

The young man had sighed. “And how am I to know that a red blanket scared them because they once had a nightmare?”

“It takes time, Silent Wind, to learn what is unsaid. Patience is needed. Watch, listen, observe. You cannot learn what they are saying if you are always talking. Do not assume that what you think you hear is what they say. Be open and nonjudgmental and in time you too will gain insight on those around you.”

He had given her a sigh of frustration. “But what about getting the same in return? She says she doesn’t know me either.”

She shook her head. “That is not always your problem. And you cannot expect others to understand and know you if you do not understand and know yourself.” He began to speak but she held up her hand. “But… that is a lesson for another day. For now, just take the time to watch and listen and learn.”

He had nodded and wandered off. And to his credit, The Grass Child had observed that he was taking the time to listen and watch.

With a smile she relaxed as she watched him. “Not bad for a Squirrel,” she thought to herself.

*********

topic: insight

Comments

[quicktongue.livejournal.com]

I like it.


Would you list Gaiman amoung your influences?

[baronessekat.livejournal.com]

Amongst others.

I have a Work in Progress over on my website that is a Sandman/Highlander: The Series crossover that was heavily influenced by Gaiman.

[dicea.livejournal.com]

Walk on!

[theboomboom.livejournal.com]

*happy sigh*

I will listen to Grass Child stories whenever you are willing to speak them.

[baronessekat.livejournal.com]

If you have a question or a topic let me know and I will ask her to tell you a story.

[visrose.livejournal.com]

"You cannot learn what they are saying if you are always talking."

My favorite line!