Lone Eagle Woman Registered User Posts: 16 (8/8/01 1:24:41 pm) Reply | Edit | Del All A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, since there is this near forum to share items as concerning our personal journeys. THANKS SARO! I thought I would take advantage of this opportunity and share a Bear Story which happened to me quite some years ago. As most of you know, I have for years have taken deep deep trips into the wilds which I love so so much. There has been quite afew very interesting experiences which have given me so much in this life's journeys. I have seen many bears in my life but there is one experience that stands out above the rest. I do know that the Bear is one of the totems in my life. Personally, I am not afraid of the Bear, Grizzly Bears, but in many ways think that they have more common sense then people. This was not just a Grizzly Bear sighting but also a Spiritual Experience also.

This happened during the time of the summer solstice in June of 1986 in the mountains of Northwestern Wyo. in an area called the Teton Wilderness. I had been hiking back in this wilderness for like a week or so when on June 20th, I arrived at a place called Clear Lake. It was a nice place with some forests and meadows all around with nice views out beyond. The weather had been sunny and not very rainy and everything was becoming so green and nice. When I arrived here, saw everywhere Grizzly Bear Tracks which indicted that a Sow Bear with cubs was in the neighborhood. I set up camp and then the rest of the afternoon wandered around in the area enjoying the scenery and the environs. As I wandered about, did keep an eye out for the Sow Grizzly but she was not to be seen. It was a beautiful night and so enjoyed the area. The next morning on June 21st, woke up and went down nearby to the outlet of the lake. Here I just sat, prayed and meditated, and greeted the new day. I was here for like 10 minutes then I got up and went to my tent nearby but I looked on the other side of the outlet and here was the Sow Grizzly Mother and her 3 newborn cubs of the year. The cubs were just fluff balls of fur and were so darling cute! They were about 50 FEET or so from me and we saw each other at about the sametime. I stepped next to a tree that was closeby while the Grizzly Mother jumped sideways about 5 feet. Then the Grizzly Mother got up on her hindlegs and roared like only a Grizzly Mother could. After this she ran down to the other side of the lake's outlet which was only about 15 to 20 feet from me. The outlet there was pretty deep being about 4 to 5 feet deep so I knew instantly there it provided a good psychological barrier between me and the bear. Still the Bear could of very easily crossed it, if she wanted to. Then the Bear and myself just looked at each other for about 5 minutes or so. I sent my warm wishes, my deep love, and respect to the Bear. I on the other hand felt no fear from the Bear but felt the deep connection with the wilderness, the Mother Earth, thru this Bear. It was like this Bear embodied the wonderful Balance, Harmony, and wildness that this country synbolized. It was not only a Sow Grizzly with cubs but a Spirit Bear! Only a long time later did I learn that one is not supposed to look Grizzlies in the eye. For me I use the word wildness for I do not know what else to use to convey my thoughts. For to me the root meaning of the word "wild' means chaos and out of control, if anything, that refers to our humankinds inner cities and places of habitation while the deep places in the Mother Earth's heart are anything but that. They are places of Blance, Harmony, of Peace and where all critters of the Creator have their place. It is HOME! Yes, this Grizzly just looked at each other for 5 minutes or so and it was so much more then just an encounter with a wild critter. It was more like a Spirit Bear! After this the Bear walked back to her newborn cubs and walked up the hillside and out of view. I have never forgotten this experience and never will. This has become one of the biggest highlights in this life's journey so far. We never know what the Creator will bring by our paths on any given day. Have a Good Day! May The Creator Bless!

JoBab Registered User Posts: 67 (8/8/01 2:22:55 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh, how I appreciate that you came here first, and gave us this gift of the story of the spirit bear! I whispered a prayer that Lone Eagle Woman would be the first to post, and here you are!

Blessings returned to you LEW, and thank you for sharing a part of your journey.

The closest I have been to the area where this story took place, was in 1985 when I camped at Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons.

I was sitting at my desk and my little daughter came up to me and handed me a book. My wife has been cleaning and sorting books, and she found a book I had misplaced. My daughter Julia delivered it to me with a wonderful gesture of love.

The book is by Mary Summer Rain, called "Wispered Wisdom," Portraits of Grandmother Earth. It contains a collection of photographs of Colorado, and writings, verses written by Mary Summer Rain.

I couldn't help but tell you that this book reminds me of you and your journeys in the back country. And on page 78, there is a picture of a bear, slumbering on a rock, perhaps snoozing after a heavy meal.

Joseph

Edited by: JoBab at: 8/8/01 4:04:06 pm SAR01 ezOP Posts: 5267 (8/8/01 4:19:52 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Community Supporter

Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just wonderful!!!! I am so thrilled to read stories like this, and that YOU were aware that a "spiritual moment" had transpired.

thank you so much for sharing it here. (((LEW)))) Inner Connections White Feather Registered User Posts: 96 (8/8/01 9:50:54 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greetings everyONE,

Lone Eagle Woman, that was a very touching story. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

White Feather Tabby Katt Forum Guide Posts: 208 (8/9/01 9:04:09 am) Reply | Edit | Del Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And, I, too, thank you both, LEW & Joseph, for these personal stories. Just proves what a great idea this "Reflections" section is. Thank you, SAR01, for getting it done. And, so fast! SAR01 ezOP Posts: 5301 (8/9/01 2:16:16 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Community Supporter

Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just wish I could put up the pretty reflection card!!!!!! still trying to do it! Inner Connections

Edited by: SAR01 at: 8/10/01 12:24:10 am mutter1 Mover and Shaker Posts: 167 (8/10/01 3:25:08 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Community Supporter

Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a wonderful story of spirit connection LEW! thank you for sharing it.

JoBab, i too have Whispered Wisdom. it is a truly wonderful collection. i love most all of the Mary Summer Rain Books.

LEW, may i ask you something i have been wondering ever since our paths crossed?

how did you come to being called Lone Eagle Woman? is there a story to it?

love this forum ..... Lone Eagle Woman Registered User Posts: 28 (8/10/01 5:10:21 pm) Reply | Edit | Del Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mutter, thanks for asking. It is a name that the Spirit gave me when in the mountains a long time ago. So much of the time, when one is in the wilds, one is seeking the Spirit and the things of the Spirit. And at onetime, I think it was back in the 80's, that the Spirit gave that name. If one really knew me and how I am - this name really does fit. May The Creator Bless! Kona2 Forum Guide Posts: 2324 (8/11/01 1:52:53 am) Reply | Edit | Del Community Supporter

Re: A Bear Story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a wonderful story Lone Eagle Woman! I truly believe it was a spiritual encounter. I don’t think too many people can say they’ve ever experienced something like that.

So many times people just don’t stop and take the time to enjoy nature. If they did, they would find a whole new world out there and inside of themselves as well! Thanks for sharing.

Now, to get to Joseph’s story. Hopefully tomorrow!

-- SAR01 (rauch01@yahoo.com), November 27, 2001