I found a short parable online, on a social media site. So i decided to take a look at the possible lessons and teachings from this – “He Was Looking for the Sun“. Enjoy the thoughts, Ronald.
Parable
“He was looking for the Sun, but the sun was already shining. “Where is the Sun?”
He was shouting now, fists clenched and eyes fixed on the window. The blinds were wide open. The morning sun streamed in.
Staff pointed outside. They reassured. They redirected. Nothing worked.
Until his daughter walked in, opened her handbag, and handed him a folded newspaper. “Here’s your Sun, Dad.” Not the sun in the sky. The newspaper.
It had been called the Herald Sun for decades. But to him, it would always be The Sun, the one he read every morning with toast and tea.
His behaviour wasn’t confusion. It was routine, misheard. Maybe he is not resisting care. Maybe we just haven’t yet understood the care he needs.
Have you seen a moment like this – where behaviour only made sense once the past came into view?”
The Teachings from this parable are many, here are my thoughts on these:
Perception is Shaped by Experience and Habit
The man’s confusion about the sun is not due to forgetfulness or resistance, but deeply rooted in his long-standing routine and memories. What seems like irrational behaviour is actually a response shaped by his past experience—the comforting morning ritual of reading The Sun newspaper.
Understanding Requires Context and Compassion
The story highlights the importance of looking beyond surface behaviours and seeking to understand the underlying context, especially with those who may be vulnerable or disoriented. Instead of frustration or dismissal, patience and empathy are needed to truly “see” what someone requires.
Care Must Be Tailored, Not Assumed
Caregivers and loved ones may sometimes misinterpret behaviour as resistance or confusion, when in fact the person is expressing needs or desires in ways tied to their history. Effective care involves uncovering these personal narratives and routines, adjusting support accordingly.
Routine and Familiarity Provide Comfort and Security
The man’s attachment to the ritual of reading The Sun newspaper reflects how familiar routines offer emotional safety and grounding, especially as memory or cognition changes. Preserving meaningful habits can be more supportive than trying to force change.
Communication Is More Than Words or Actions
Behaviour that appears perplexing or misplaced often carries communication about needs, feelings, or identity. Recognizing the story behind actions allows us to respond with understanding rather than judgment.
The Past is Present in the Now
The story reminds us that a person’s past experiences live on in their present moment perceptions and behaviours. To connect with someone fully, we must acknowledge how their history informs their current reality.
Patience and Small Acts Can Bridge Gaps
The daughter’s simple gesture—offering the newspaper called The Sun—demonstrates how small acts rooted in knowledge of a person’s life can dissolve confusion and foster connection.
Sometimes What We See is Not What Others See
Staff members see the actual sun shining outside; the man’s reality includes an emotional and symbolic layer—he is seeking his sun, the newspaper. This teaches that multiple realities can coexist and deserve respect.
audio version:
