Introduction:
An early spring overtook the northern woods and bathed them in warm breezes, gentle showering rains and other firmaments of Great Spirit. In spring plants and animals are immersed in nature's rebounding metamorphosis as they rejuvenate and multiply bountifully. Rivers flow swiftly with water from melting alpine glaciers and snow-fields, lowland deciduous forests spring from dormancy with flowering trees, sweet odors fill the air as meadows burst into carpets of brilliantly colored flowers and the sounds of creatures not heard since autumn join nature's musical chorus throughout Great Forest.
Some do not survive spring due to illness or other weaknesses. Newly born creatures and new plants are more susceptible to being preyed upon than those left weak from age, or those smitten by winter cold. All who transcend at birth do so in the grace of Great Spirit; since they become a part of the nourishment of those who survive. It is a natural and good thing that all who transcend provide for those still living on Earth Mother.
Possibly not as good, but still part of the cycle, are those who become weak by admittance of things that can crowd their minds and not allow Self to grow. Even those who are strong can become part of the nourishment cycle of those who are stronger and who survive and live. Those who truly survive and live in this world know their strength on all plains must be under constant growth and development.
Most creatures are born in springtime, since it is easier for young folks to survive a mild environment in their earliest days. Others, however, are born during winter when their parents can provide for them despite the harsh arctic like weather and other limitations, and since their natural enemies are deterred from finding them by winter environments. Bears are born during winter.
Exploring Home:Mother-bear's low snores echoed against the rocky cave walls creating a rhythmic murmur. Bear understood these sounds as his lifeline to a source of nourishment, warmth, and protection; Mother. Though he did not understand much else about her, Bear had often tried to. He sat staring at her, climbed around on her, and he even licked her face. Bear felt he might not ever know Mother-bear any better. It appeared to Bear that she would simply lie there being Mother forever.
Bear remembered a long time ago, (when it was colder), when he found himself waking up next to Mother-bear for the first time. Though an infant and quite naive, Bear perceived her as all he had and all he needed. She was huge and quite impressive. Soon, however, Bear realized his universe included things other than his source of sustenance and he began to explore.
One time Bear had ventured so far into the cave he had lost sight of his mother. When he discovered his mistake he became panic stricken. He let out a sharp yelp and began to run back to where Mother-bear lay. Bear found he had not suffered greatly for allowing Mother-bear to be out of sight. He found, in fact, the fear he had created was truly the only thing that had hurt him.
When Bear realized he was out of sight of his mother, he accomplished something for the first time; his own noise. He began to experiment with making vocal sound and discovered he was capable of different types of noises, tones, and durations. Bear had found a new amusement; he had invented a new game.
During Bear's explorations of the cave he found a substance trickling from cracks in a wall, onto the floor, and then on towards the back of the cave. This looked, felt and tasted different from anything else in Bear's world. It moved by itself and made its own noise. It made a sort of a gurgling noise and he was quite impressed with it. Bear did not understand his affinity for the substance any more than he understood Mother-bear, but he knew he liked it. He played in this area often, stopping now and then to take a sip or to just watch and listen to the wet stuff.
In one part of the cave there was a hole in the wall that Bear feared. As he monitored the hole, (from a good distance), he noted that it often changed in many ways. Some times the hole would shine with a bright glow that caused the cave to light up some. Some times the hole was pitch black making navigating through the cave very difficult for. When the hole glowed, Bear would sit in a place and position in such a way as to see things inside of the hole moving about. He had heard many strange types of sound coming from the hole. Scary sounds. Bear could not understand what significance or relevance the hole had regarding his world.
At one point in his life Bear started feeling somewhat empty when he explored around in the cave, especially near the feared hole. It was as if there was an unanswered question, a mystery unsolved, or a rock unturned. His insecurities about the hole caused Bear to fear it even more.
Sometimes when Bear felt empty he would distract himself by exploring and playing somewhere in the cave. These distractions, however, would not last long before Bear's thoughts would return to the emptiness. It did not bother Bear to find he could not understand something; it bothered him that he could not figure out a solution or answer to the mystery of that which he did not understand.
Bear was startled one day as he watched the hole. Something first appeared in the hole, hesitated, and then came out of it and into the cave. Bear let out a yelp and scurried to Mother-bear. Although the creature he saw was much smaller than he, Bear had not realized other creatures existed in this world.
Otter swam for a great distance up the Great River in search of a place where he could make a new home away from his clan. It was not a moving away as much as a making of more room for he and others. Otter knew it was time for him to begin preparing for having his own family.
In one nice stretch of Great River Otter found many deep pools of water where fishing would be more productive and swimming more relaxing. This was where he would settle. This was Otter's new home.
One day he noticed a hole in a bluff near Great River. Being of a curious nature and always ready to explore, Otter could not resist venturing inside the cave to see what type of creatures might be living in it.
As Otter approached the hole he frequently sniffed the air and ground to find any clue that could enlighten him regarding the cave. When he neared the cave entrance Otter started detecting the smell of bears.
Otter respected the sound advice he received from mature bears, playing games with young bears, and generally socializing as they fished together at the river. He lived in and about the water most of the time and had met many bears when they came to the river to drink, eat fish, and play with each other. He did not fear the massive creatures, since he had nothing a bear could or ever would want.
The morning sun was very bright so Otter had to creep into the cave slowly enough for his eyes to adjust to the cave's dim light. He could hear the steady drone of Mother-bear's snoring. This indicated to Otter Mother-bear was still in a state of hibernation.
Bears are well known for being best at hibernating to heal and find themselves. They go inside Self and restfully nurture Self-growth during the coldest part of wintertime. When Otter felt a need for understanding Great Spirit, he would emulate bear's hibernation and go "inside" for a closer look at his Self and Great Spirit within.
Otter realized there might be a young bear cradled in its mother's arms and maybe one who was already awake. He called out in a nurturing voice that he used for trying to gain any young one's attention, but quietly so he would not wake its mother. He heard no response and this worried him. If a young bear was there it was more than likely very confused and scared, but also very curious.
To get a bear cub's attention, Otter decided he could try to entertain himself with noises he felt may sound quite odd. Otter moaned with his lowest voice, (not very low at all), he whistled quietly, and he chattered to himself under his breath. Noise did not seem to be inspiring enough to get any bear-cubs to come forward. Otter then danced about with a sort of bouncing movement. He still detected no response and after some time became tired and thirsty from his many efforts.
Otter decided to go back to the river to drink some water and quench his thirst. Then Otter noticed the trickle of water that issued from a crack in one of the walls of the den. He delighted at the prospect of this fissure water that he knew would be very cold, sweet, and refreshing.
Bear had not calmed down from being startled by the intruder. He was not sure if he should stay hidden behind Mother-bear, or if he should confront the intruder and risk being injured or worse. As he occasionally peered at the intruder up and over Mother-bear's stomach he noted to himself how oddly the intruder was acting.
Bear was looking at the intruder when it started moving toward the wet place. This move made the hair on his neck raised straight up. Bear gathered all his courage. He quickly scurried over his mother's belly, leapt to the floor, and bounded between the intruder and the wet place letting out his fiercest growl! This was his wet spot and he did not want to loose what was his!
Otter froze in his tracks and let out a hiss. Bear, having taken Otter off guard, scared him into taking a low defensive posture. Otter prepared himself mentally for leaping through the cave's mouth in case the opportunity became at all possible.
Though the hissing sound was new to Bear, it did not scare him. He wasn't even impressed with the sound. Bear let out the loudest growl ever, which did impress him! He knew he had scared the intruder and was proud that the tables had turned. Bear began to advance toward the cowering intruder and felt he should overwhelm it. Mother-bear gently slapped Bear and he tumbled into the wall near the wet place. Mother-bear apologized for her son's rude behavior toward Otter and begged for Otter's forgiveness. She also asked Otter if he had been at all injured while she was still asleep.
Otter noted that the bear cub's attention was fixed on its mother and began to regain his composure. He accepted Mother-bear's apology and mentioned he was not any worse for the encounter with exception to a few strained nerves. Otter also explained he felt partially responsible for the events that had just taken place, since he had come into Mother-bear's den without a proper invitation. He apologized for having caused Mother-bear to waken from her deep sleep and told her he would be more cautious near bear caves in the future. Otter then dismissed himself from the bears' company with blessings and quick prayers for their longevity and living well.
As Otter departed, Mother-bear spoke blessings for him and prayers for his successful fishing. She then turned her attention to Bear. She stared at him with a look only a cub could comprehend. He appeared to have been born a hearty bear cub, he had already learned much about himself, and she was already correcting him for being overly mischievous. Mother-bear was feeling quite proud of her son, so she just stared at him.
Bear was not hurt by his tumble into the wall; but he had never found himself feeling so lost and confused as he did when he landed. Though he could not understand the noise Mother-bear and Otter made at each other, he knew he had done something very wrong. He was embarrassed and ashamed at his aggressions toward Otter.
Bear knew to stay put and to stay still. Both Otter and Mother-bear relaxed in their mannerisms and the noises that they shared. This comforted Bear to some degree.
When Mother-bear turned her attention to Bear he became transfixed with her all knowing, all understanding stare. Bear's heart began to beat much faster than it ever had before! This was the first exchange he and she had ever shared and he was struck with awe. Though Mother-bear introduced herself in an act of force, Bear realized her intrusion was timely, quite deliberate, and well meant. Bear, however, was still confused. He now knew his mother was capable of much more than he had ever imagined, maybe much more than he ever would imagine.
The Emergence:Mother-bear walked over to her son and began to lick his face and prune his soft fur. It had been two years since she had last began the cycle of raising a cub and this is how she usually started. She nudged Bear affectionately and growled under her breath in a communal and comforting way. Her nudges became stronger and more forceful as she encouraged his body to move closer and closer toward the hole in the wall. She knew it was time for them both to leave the cave.
Bear was overwhelmed by his mother's bonding and attentions. He loved and liked her as never before. He hugged one of her paws with all his strength and she tossed him to the floor with it. Her actions were of gentleness and playfulness. He enjoyed having someone to relate to until she forced him into the hole in the wall.
Although Bear knew his mother's intentions must be good, he had never overcome his fear of the hole. Bear bawled loudly in protest when he found himself so close to the hole in the cave. He even closed his eyes in fear.
As Mother-bear forced him into the hole, Bear realized his protests were being ignored. He knew his mother enough already to know she would do nothing to harm him in any way; but his fear persisted. His protests became more intense and he began to cry. Then he found himself emerging into a much larger world.
Bear blinked over and over as he looked through tears at all of his surroundings. He tried to keep his eyes open despite the bright noon sun which shown from high above. Father Sun cast warmth and light over all Bear could see from where he had stopped near the mouth of the cave. He was no longer sure of who and what Bear was; he only knew Mother-bear was there to see to his care and safety.
Finding his world was much larger than he had perceived made Bear feel the mysterious need again. This time, however, he knew what it was; a desire to experience and understand true living. As his vision cleared Bear looked back at Mother-bear and was thankful she had pushed him out of the cave and closer to the understanding he so desired.
Rearing up on his back legs, Bear sniffed the spring air and smelled many scents of the forest. He could smell sweet flowers in bloom, tall sharp-needled pine trees waving about in a cool breeze, and fish swimming in Great River nearby. For a second time today Bear was overwhelmed.
Although she was extremely hungry from having not eaten since last fall, Mother-bear stood in front of the cave long enough to allow her son time to adjust to his new environment. Mother-bear then brushed past Bear as she slowly ambled toward Great River to fish for some supper.
Despite many distractions at every turn in their pathway, Bear found he could keep up with his mother's pace quite easily. He had to experience the textures, odors, colors and sounds of the forest's many blessings. If he allowed himself to pass by anything without investigation, Bear felt he might not ever get a second chance.
Mother-bear plunged into Great River with a huge splash and walked to a shallow area with skilled movements developed long ago. This was her favorite fishing hole! At first Bear looked on in amazement while Mother-bear fished in Great River. She gracefully jumped to and fro in its icy water swatting at unsuspecting salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout. His mother's methods of fishing reminded Bear of some of the games he had invented while amusing himself in the cave. It appeared to be great fun.
When Bear jumped into the river he was completely immersed and immediately taken off his feat by the water's swift current. He struggled to keep his face out of the tempest by furiously paddling with all four paws. Bear called out to his mother in terror as the water spun him around and around; but it appeared Mother-bear was not paying attention.
Mother-bear was amused at her son's plight of being dashed away further and further down stream. She was confident Bear would be able to rescue himself by regaining his footing on the distant sand bars. Although Mother-bear felt a great sense of duty toward teaching Bear as much as she could, she knew she would have to allow him to grow by himself whenever possible. One day she would not be able be there for her son, one day he would be on his own. Mother-bear kept an eye on Bear's progress, but also kept fishing for supper.
Though Mother-bear was very skilled at fishing, this was not the only reason she was able to easily harvest her supper. She knew it was part of Great Spirit's plan for her to be able to live. She was thankful to Great Spirit for making it so.
Rainbow Trout had survived in Great River and its tributaries for many years. She usually swam in the river's rushing currents; but sometimes rested in its calm eddies. Rainbow Trout was a master at navigating over, around, and underneath rocks and fallen tree branches. She subsided by eating insects that flew near or floated on the river's surface; and she breathed oxygen that mixed into the river as it flowed and churned past any obstacle. She was proud to be a part of the living water she knew as home.
It was obvious to Rainbow Trout she had an abundant life and she was sure it was often blessed by Great Spirit. Her very name was derived from the fact that her skin reflected light with shimmering colors like those of the rainbows Great Spirit painted across Grandfather Sky. She had traveled many miles in the river and had witnessed many wonders she could only attribute to the workings of Great Spirit. Great Spirit had also gifted her with the ability to spawn many hundreds of offspring each spring.
Rainbow Trout was thankful for having led such an abundant life, however, there was something unfulfilled in her and how she repeated the cycles year after year. Her meditations about Self and about Great Spirit regarding fulfillment were unfruitful.
One day while she was swimming up Great River, Rainbow Trout decided she could no longer continue her cycles without a better understanding of why Great Spirit would not let her know more about her destiny. She demanded that Great Spirit let her know now!
Rainbow Trout was lifted from the water and thrown onto a gravel shoal in the river. She instinctively flopped around on the ground trying to reach the water from which she had been taken. She knew she could not survive in such a dry environment as this.
When she noticed a giant grizzly bear approaching it dawned on her she had been given the knowledge she had demanded. As Rainbow Trout began her journey of transition she realized she had given of herself in the most complete way possible, in a way that would nourish another. She was fulfilled in this because she knew it was a good thing and she knew she had served Great Spirit's will.
Bear caught a foothold and ran up onto a sandbar that jutted out into Great River. He was dripping wet from head to toe and freezing cold! He vigorously shook his whole body over and over to relieve it of as much water as possible.
As his trembling from the cold water and his fears subsided Bear became angry with his mother for not helping when he called out to her. He had been frightened more than ever before and felt he could have been seriously hurt while he floated down the river. From where he stood Bear could see Mother-bear and he could see she was still fishing.
As he walked over to the riverbank and struggled to climb up onto it, Bear could not center his thoughts on anything except on how his mother had let him down. He pouted and even cried as he walked along the shore toward where he had jumped into Great River. As his anger grew more intense at Mother-bear his pace quickened. Bear was beyond crying at this point. He felt he must let Mother-bear know how wrong she had been to treat him with such negligence.
Bear came to the shore near Mother-bear's fishing hole. He began to stamp his feet on the ground and to make growling sounds and other noises he felt would express his disapproval of her actions. He was quite sure Mother-bear could understand his position and was proud of himself for being able to relate it to her so thoroughly. Just then a brown trout hit him square between the eyes!
Although he was still angry, Bear realized he had overstepped his limits with Mother-bear and decided to sit down next to the fish his mother had thrown at him to think. He pondered many of the things he had learned about today; the events, his reactions, and the outcomes. Bear decided he had blamed Mother-bear for his own mistakes and foolishness in trying to grow too fast.
He watched Mother-bear fish for supper for a long time before she finally looked up at him. Bear understood this look was what he was waiting for. He knew that she (of course) also understood. He would have to be more patient with learning and with how his mother allowed Bear to grow instead of trying to force him to grow.
Communing:Whenever Mother-bear caught a fish, Bear noticed she would sniff and stare at it some before beginning to eat it. He did not understand what she was doing or why; but he realized it must be a part of eating. Perhaps it was something he should also do with food.
He looked at the trout his mother had thrown at him and sniffed at it. Understandably, it smelled a lot like Great River. Its odor, however, was stronger and caused his mouth to water. Licking the fish was all it took to assure Bear this was not just food; but a very special treat. With exception to the bones that sometimes got stuck between his teeth, the fish was extremely enjoyable.
Bear wanted more fish. As he looked into Great River's water from its bank, he envisioned being able to dip some fish out of it. He had already learned respect for the river's swift current, however, and was unwilling to jump in again. As an alternative he grabbed the string of brown trout bones so they would dangle from his mouth and then growled at Mother-bear through his teeth as loudly as possible.
Mother-bear turned to see her son begging for more fish and responded by tossing her next few catches of trout onto the riverbank. His ravenous appetite and knowing her son would be well fed today gave Mother-bear more than enough reason to thank Great Spirit for abundance. This was something she always did before eating, now she did it for her son's eating. Although Mother-bear was beginning to reach her limit of eating fish, she continued harvesting and throwing fish to the shore for a while.
As he devoured more fish Bear liked them even better, especially the larger colorful rainbow trout. Some of them would flop around on the shore for a short while giving Bear an opportunity to pretend to hunt them. Eventually he would hold them down with a paw, sniff and stare at them as his mother did, and then begin to eat them.
When Bear heard motherly sniffing close by and felt nurturing nudges once again he hardly paid attention, since he was still not full of fish. At one point he looked up at his mother and instead found himself eye to eye with an older female bear!
The female stared back at Bear with that all knowing look mothers give cubs and Bear could not be afraid. Then she sniffed at his rainbow trout that he had dropped on seeing her and stared at him again. Remembering his lesson involving Otter, Bear pushed the trout toward the large female and watched very closely as she ate his gift, her fish. Bear was very impressed with the manner in which the female was able to carve the fish meat away from its bones with her tongue without getting the bones stuck between her teeth. It was an art form she had learned and then practiced upon many occasion and Bear appreciated her for it.
After the female bear finished eating the rainbow trout she started licking and nudging Bear again. Bear enjoyed the attention and affections of the female and was glad he had shared with her. Before Bear could realize what was happening the female bear grabbed him firmly with her front paws, hoisted him high into the sky, and bellowed forth a tremendously loud and long series of sounds. Turning around a bit as she stood on her back legs, with Bear still hoisted into the sky, the female bear repeated her sounds six more times.
When the female brought Bear back to the ground she did not let go. Instead, she sat him down so he was facing the setting sun and held him there. Bear was now officially of the Bear Clan. He could hear many other bellowing noises coming from up and down the river. Bear knew this event must have been occurring all along the river. Bear knew this was significant so he kept his mind open to any clues about what it could all mean. He looked at his mother and found she was sitting on the gravel shoal staring his way. Bear also looked into the forest where he noted creatures large and small were making many movements and noises.
Mother-bear stopped fishing and watched as the elder bear appeared from the Great Forest and approached her son. She did what she could by praying for Bear to have the strength to face the elder. As Bear pushed the rainbow trout toward the elder Mother-bear sighed with relief. Her son had already learned to give.
When the elderly bear began the blessings and ceremony Mother-bear sat down and watched as her son was accepted into the Bear Clan. This ritual was reserved for those cubs that had come to learn the true meaning and wisdom of giving freely to those who show need. This is the bear way of offering thanks to Great Spirit and also how bears are an intricate part of Great Spirit's way and will. Mother-bear took mental notes during the ceremony as she would one day be past bearing offspring and then be responsible for conducting these ceremonies. As the elder grounded and oriented Bear in a westward position Mother-bear began to pray for the other cubs that would be tested today and in the days soon to follow.
All along Great River there were elderly female bears testing cubs about their first understandings of Self. As the acceptance rituals took place the news of there happening was carried all throughout Great Forest. Bears were renowned for the sharing their wisdom and had many friends who depended on them for advice. Birds sang songs, rabbits thumped, crickets chirped, and other creatures carried the news as they could.
Mother-bear knew she should not interfere with Bear's ceremony, so she sat calmly meditating while the elderly female bear showed him to the world and roared on his behalf. When the elder held her child up to the world Mother-bear took a deep breath, since she knew her son was safe. When the forest creatures began to include Bear in their messages she choked, but kept her composure. When Bear glanced her direction, toward his mother, Mother-bear began to cry.
Mother-bear ambled back into the swift current of Great River and then slowly onto its shore. On climbing to the top of the riverbank, Mother-bear was greeted by her little Bear as if she had been away on a long journey and had just returned. She was still crying and couldn't stop. When she looked into the elderly bear's eyes, Mother-bear found she was also crying. They hugged and cried together for a short while.
Bear, Mother-bear and the elderly female bear walked together along a pathway in the forest which Bear thought might go on forever. He did not know where they were going except that the path was taking them far from home. This concerned him, since he was used to going to sleep when the cave got as dark as the forest was getting now.
Soon Bear noticed a large round beautiful bright object as it flew into the sky illuminating the pathway and all else. This object was not like others he had seen flying as it effortlessly floated more than it flew. It was more like the bright thing that hurt his eyes to look at during the day, only it was easy to look at and cool on his fur.
When the trio of bears reached trail's end at the meadows, Bear was once again overwhelmed. There were many other bears here that were playing, talking and generally being bears. This is where all the bears in this part of the Great Forest met to keep up with happenings throughout the forest. A few other creatures were also present, but mostly bears.
There were young bears, old bears, small bears and large bears. Bear noticed that male bears were the largest. Some of them were much larger than his mother. He wondered if he would ever be as big as them. He was putting his paw into one of the male's tracks for comparison when a large shadow overcame him and a deep voice said something.
Although he did not understand the words, Bear fell on his back and looked up at a giant bear standing next to his mother. Bear knew this had to be his father. Bear scrambled to his feet in embarrassment and hugged his father's leg. He could feel his father's heartbeat increase as he held on and took this to be a good thing.
On Learning:Bear turned out to be a very good student and learned from his mother and father as quickly as they would allow. He went through spurts of physical, mental, and spiritual growth so fast it sometimes hurt! Father-bear once told him he best slow down or he might pop out of his skin. When his mother heard of this she explained to him it was a joke and that his father was very proud of Bear's progress.
After learning to speak to his mother and to other creatures, Bear learned to speak to Great Spirit. It came to him one day that Great Spirit never talked to Bear in an audible language. Instead, Great Spirit used feelings, symbols, omens and actions that were prayed for. Because of this discovery he also noticed that he could best commune with Great Spirit by closing his mouth and keeping open his Self, his mind's eye, and his will to understand Great Spirit.
Bear also learned from other forest creatures and often latched on to concepts before their own offspring could. Instead of taking advantage of this virtue for some worldly thing, Bear simply used it to help the others learn as they could.
He particularly enjoyed learning from Owl. Owl somehow appeared to be in direct communication with Great Spirit and Great Spirit's will. Father-bear told Bear that Owl is gifted with visions from Great Spirit. He also explained that Owl is responsible for relating these visions to other creatures of the forest through his astounding wisdom and knowledge. Mother-bear told Bear that Owl has a supernatural ability to obtain discernment from Great Spirit when he or others need advice or guidance.
One day Bear asked his father what was different about Bear wisdom and Owl wisdom. Though it took many weeks for Father-bear to explain, he finally helped Bear understand the two wisdoms come from different sources and head to the same goal of Self-growth and divine understanding. Father-bear explained that Owl derives most of his wisdom from Great Spirit and applies it to the material world. He also explained bears receive their wisdom from the material world and apply it to their relationship with Great Spirit.
From these discussions and others Bear decided he would never be finished with learning and understanding the will of Great Spirit. He realized he was responsible for keeping in touch with himself and Great Spirit and that his maturity regarding a commitment toward these things would continue to grow.
Going Inside:Leaves on lowland deciduous trees began to turn various colors, flowers stopped blooming in the meadows where grasses were turning brown, and many of the forest creatures busied themselves with preparing for the onset of winter. Rivers trickled now as glaciers and snowfields rebounded, salmon became scarce in Great river, and cold icy winds blew down from the north.
Bear was ten times the size he was when he and Mother-bear had come from the cave for the first time. The way his mother wanted him to eat lately made him surprised he was not ten times larger than this. His whole day was spent with one episode after another of eating berries from the forest, honey from the beehives, (his favorite sport), and occasionally a fish from Great River.
Although he protested to his mother that his stomach was ready to pop, she insisted he needed to eat more. Mother-bear was always right so Bear ate more. She told him a time would come when he would not be able to do more than nurture himself and fast through his time of healing Self from enduring a long summer.
Soon winter snows blanketed Great Forest in a carpet of snow and the bears met in the meadows for the last time. They were too lethargic to play so they hugged a lot, told stories, and had ceremonies to honor the Hunter's moon. Then they departed each other's company with blessings and went their separate ways.
Bear asked his mother why Father-bear was not joining them to sleep out the winter at their cave near Great River. Instead of saying the first thing that came to mind, Mother-bear simply explained their cave was not large enough for so many bears. She took advantage of this time to also explain that Bear would have to find a cave of his own next year.
Bear stopped in his tracks as he felt the intended rejection. His mother ambled on as if not noticing his reaction and continued to explain he would eventually have to consider making a family of his own; like Otter was doing when we first met him. Bear had played with Otter and his family many times; but had never thought of what had brought Otter to the part of Great River where Bear lived. He followed his mother to the cave in deep thought.
As Mother-bear and Bear settled down for hibernation Bear related to her several of his concerns. Where would he find an empty cave? Who would he become a life partner with? When would he know how to go about these things? He also told her he felt uncomfortable with his lessons to date as each thing he learned opened the door to learning three more. Bear told his mother he was too worried to sleep.
Mother-bear had already closed her eyes and her breathing was slowing down; but she was not yet asleep. Listlessly and with her gentlest voice she told Bear he was wrong about not being able to sleep. Mother-bear explained Bear was just worried enough to sleep. She told him to go inside and find the answers. So he did.
Bear Matures:Bear found although he awakened now and then during the winter, he was never ready to get up from his bedding and face the world. In fact, he gave little conscious thought to his surroundings except to go back to sleep. This allowed him to subconsciously commune with Great Spirit and discern his role in Great Spirit's way. One morning Bear woke up feeling like he had slept for years. The steady drone of his mother's snoring reminded him of a time when had felt very mature and grown up. He pondered on how large this cave had appeared then, how little he had known about his mother, and how little he had known about his Self.
Bear decided to go to the cave entrance and look outside, since he was somewhat curious about how the weather was progressing. As he peered out the hole the invitation of spring hit him all at once and he decided to get a better look.
He had forgotten how beautiful spring was. Bear sat down near the cave entrance to bathe in the bright morning sunlight, to smell the fresh forest odors, and to listen to the forest creatures competing with the noisy rushing water of Great River as they seemed to lift their voices in harmonic praise to Great Spirit for all he had given them. Bear quietly praised Great Spirit for the provided abundance.
Bear got up and ambled toward Great River. He was starving from his winter fast that was only moments from being ended. His mouth watered as he thought of eating enough fish to calm his stomach down. Bear splashed into the icy rushing river water and proceeded to start fishing for breakfast.
While he was busy fishing for salmon and trout Bear got the distinct feeling that he was being watched. Eventually he glanced around through the top of his eyes to find his mother had been sitting on the riverbank staring at her son while he worked. Bear noticed also that a large beautiful butterfly had distracted Mother-bear and for some reason he thought to take advantage.
Mother-bear missed her son when she awoke and realized he had left the den. She would have to get use to this happening and, as before, felt sad for this fact. She prayed for strength from Great Spirit for conducting herself through the hardest part of motherhood, letting go of the young so they can grow.
She crawled through the cave entrance and descended toward the river. Mother-bear sat down on the riverbank and watched as her son fished. He was much larger now and would be much larger than she was all too soon. Though she had bore many children, Mother-bear always found the second year the hardest to deal with inside her Self.
Mother-butterfly fluttered over Mother-bear for a few moments greeting her with blessings for successful fishing. Mother-bear, composing herself, looked up at the butterfly and blessed her hunting for sweet nectars.
Looking out at Bear, Mother-butterfly complimented Mother-bear on having such a fine son and then asked Mother-bear why she was looking out of sorts. Mother-bear related to the butterfly that this was Bear's second year and how she felt about letting go.
Mother-butterfly said she could relate to Mother-bear's feelings as she had similar feelings about her own children. She then accused Mother-bear of taking the situation and Great Spirit's will for granted. She explained to Mother-bear that butterflies only live for several days, and as nature has it they never see their young for even a day.
Mother-bear thanked Mother-butterfly for the insight as the butterfly flew away. As she stared at Mother-butterfly, Mother-bear could not help feeling sympathy for her and other creatures that do not get to help raise their offspring, or do not even get to see them. Mother-bear looked back down at her son in time to get hit square in the chest by a small brown trout.
Without hesitation her eyes trained onto her son. Mother-bear plunged into the river and ran toward Bear howling as loudly as possible! Bear, at the onset of the fiercest warrioress of Great Forest, immediately tripped over himself and went sprawling across the gravel shoal. Fear overtook Bear but it did not hamper his recovery, his natural instinct to run from overwhelming odds, nor his ability to pray while running up river.
By staying on the gravel shoals, Bear added some distance between he and his howling mother. He looked back to check her progress now and then, but slowed down for nothing. Birds leapt into Father Sky as they took to flight in fear of the excitement. Fish spread through the water near Bear's path, darting back and forth for cover beneath rocks and branches; only to be upset and confused again by Mother-bear as she stormed by. Creatures of all types ran to and fro through the forest trying to put as much distance between themselves and Great River. Soon, all who lived in this part of Great Forest knew Mother-bear was angry and that Bear had put himself in harm's way!
She was more furious now than at first. Mother-bear had intended to discipline Bear for insulting her at the very worst of times; and now because he was contesting her authority by trying to out run her. As soon as she got to the shoals Mother-bear began to gain on her son as she could now run at full speed. She paid no attention as the birds flew from their roosts, or as the fish darted from their hiding places to others, or as forest creatures created their own uproar while running from the river area.
Mother-bear's temper was at a boiling point and nothing could stop her now except a small voice. A voice from within Mother-bear that had grown this past winter and which hearkened for her undivided attention. It was a voice trying to tell her she was mistaken and had not listened to Mother-butterfly, to her Self, or to Great Spirit. Mother-bear slowed her pace as she began to hear the voice. She then slowed down to a walk and listened to the voice.
Mother-bear could see Bear had also slowed down and knew he somehow realized she had come back to her senses and wished him no harm. Then she noticed how many other lives she had taken out of balance and felt shame for what she had done. The disruption she had caused could not be repaired. Mother-bear asked Great Spirit for his forgiveness and guidance.
Bear noticed his mother had lost her anger and eventually turned to face her. She had never acted like she was going to punish him with anger in her heart, only with love and care for his well being. He knew something must be wrong besides her need for eating many fish after a long winter fast.
Both Bear and Mother-bear cried as they hugged for a long time and sniffed, and pruned, and licked on each other's fur. Their respect and deep love was enough to help them work at fishing for many hours in that day and in days to follow. Mother-bear admitted she would dislike parting ways with Bear and was troubled with thinking about doing so. Bear told his mother he had asked Great Spirit to help him surprise his mother with a fish when she was watching him and how Great Spirit had pitched a brown trout out of the water at Bear in answer to his request. This helped her realize how profound Mother-butterfly's words had been about Mother-bear's attitude of letting Bear go.
Mother-bear and Bear sat down on the gravel shoals and stared at Grandfather Sun in reverence as he flew down onto the distant western horizon. In the distance they could hear the bellowing call of several elderly female bears as they conducted the Ceremony of Acceptance rituals. It was time to head for the meadows and contact others who had responded to spring and come out of hibernation.
Mother-bear and Bear walked the pathway to the meadows together that evening and on many evenings thereafter. Eventually they were both looking for the pathways that would separate them. Bear spent time looking for a suitable cave he could make into a den. A new place he could call home! He also spent more time with the young female bears he had grown up with. Mother-bear was seen spending more time with Bear's father; which helped Mother-bear keep some distance between herself and Bear.
One evening in the meadows Bear came over to his mother and father and announced to his mother that he would not be able to walk with her on the pathway to her home. He told her he loved and respected her very much, but that the time had come for him to walk the pathway to his home. As he walked away Mother-bear and Father-bear could not help but cry; especially when they noticed a young female catching up to Bear to walk with him to their new home. Bear's parents acknowledged this to be a new day in Bear's life; and that their son had truly awoken.
Alan
9-15-96
Revised: 9-26-98
Second Revision 10-20-2000
