When I was a small child, I often felt adrift in a world that was far too big and complex for my understanding. Severe trauma shaped my early years, casting a dark shadow over my childhood and leaving me seemingly bereft of any solace. In the midst of this turmoil, I found an unexpected source of comfort: a cartoon caricature of a rabbit. This sticker, bright and whimsical, adorned the wall above the hook where I hung my jacket each morning before kindergarten, all those years ago. During those overwhelming days, when the weight of my experiences felt like an anchor, that simple cartoon rabbit became my bastion of last resort. It stood as a beacon of stability, a silent companion in my struggles. While the world outside felt chaotic and frightening, its cheerful expression offered a glimmer of hope, a reminder that not everything had to be dark and heavy. Its presence served as a small but significant reminder that joy could exist alongside my pain, even if for the briefest of moments. At times when I felt lost and isolated, that sticker became a touchstone, a way to connect with a sense of innocence and playfulness that my circumstances had stolen from me. Reflecting on those years, I realize that the cartoon rabbit represented more than just a decoration on the wall; it symbolized resilience and the power of small comforts in the face of adversity. It taught me that solace can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places, and that even amidst trauma, there can be moments of light and joy, if but for a millisecond in time. In a world that often felt devoid of safety, that cartoon rabbit was a steadfast reminder that hope is always within reach, waiting to be discovered in the simplest of things. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Meditation Sans Frontieres at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe