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The Wounded Badger

A Tale of Trust and Healing

a silverback gorilla looking over his tribe
The Wounded Badger
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Deep within the whispering woods, under the canopy of ancient trees that held secrets of a thousand years, a badger lived in a quiet, unassuming burrow. This badger, known for its solitary nature, had always navigated the world with a wary eye, having faced more than its share of trials and tribulations.


One fateful day, while foraging for food, the badger was snared by a trap hidden amongst the underbrush. The pain was immediate and terrifying, and fear coursed through its body as the metal teeth bit into its flesh. Trapped and alone, the badger felt the forest's shadows grow deeper, its home now a prison of pain.


As the badger struggled, it heard footsteps approaching. Fear transformed into anger as the badger prepared for an intruder, its mind clouded by the instinct to protect itself from further harm. When a human, a traveller of the woods, appeared before it, the badger could see only a potential threat, not the help offered.


"Stay back!" the badger wanted to shout, though it could only snarl and snap as the traveller attempted to release it from the trap. In its pain and panic, it lashed out, biting the hand that sought to free it. In its vulnerability, the badger struggled to see the kindness behind the action, blinded by its agony.


As the traveller persisted, gently speaking and carefully working to open the trap, the badger's resistance waned. Exhausted and pained, it finally allowed itself to be helped. As the trap released its grip, the badger felt a physical and emotional release. It realized that not every hand that reaches out does so with mind harm.


In the days that followed, as the badger nursed its wounds within the safety of its burrow, it reflected on the encounter. It understood that its response, though driven by fear, had almost cost it a chance at rescue. I learned that healing was not just about tending to wounds but also about trusting—trusting oneself to be vulnerable and trusting others to be kind.


Moral: Healing Begins with Trust—In Ourselves and Others


"The Wounded Badger" teaches us that our instincts may lead us to lash out in moments of pain and vulnerability. However, true healing begins when we learn to lower our defences and trust in the kindness of those around us. It's a reminder that sometimes, allowing ourselves to be helped is as important as fighting to heal and that trust is often the first step towards recovery.

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