The epithet, Embracing the Bear is a nod to Terry Tempest Williams’ essay; Undressing the Bear, in An Unspoken Hunger:

“I dreamt I was in Yellowstone, a grizzly, upright, was walking toward me. Frightened at first, I began to pull away, but then a mantle of calm came over me. I walked toward the bear and we embraced.”  The man across the counter listened, then said matter-of-factly, “Get over it.” 

Why? Why should we give up the dream of embracing the bear? For me it has everything to do with undressing, exposing, and embracing the Feminine. I see the Feminine defined as a reconnection to the Self, a commitment to a wildness within – our instincts, our capacity to create and destroy; our hunger for connection as well as sovereignty, interdependence and independence at once. 

We are taught not to trust our own experience. The Feminine teaches us experience is our way back home, the psychic bridge that spans rational and intuitive waters. To embrace the Feminine is to embrace paradox. Paradox preserves mystery and mystery inspires belief.

I believe in the power of the Bear.    

A Note from our Founder:

I first read an Unspoken Hunger when I was 16, in my first summer in Yellowstone. Williams’ words not only inspired me to embrace the bear, to swim in paradox, but her essays exemplified the power and beauty of words… and inspired me to share my words in hopes that one day they may provide refuge for another kindred spirit, in the same way hers did for me.

As an adult I had the opportunity to meet Terry as a colleague in conservation and social justice. I shared with her how much her words have meant to me, and she shared with me a little turquiose carving of two bears embracing… which now sits proudly on my writing desk as a totem to magic and connection. I will  be forever grateful to Mrs. Tempest-Williams for sharing her exceptional gift and passion with the world.

There is magic in embracing the bear - and refuge in baptizing ourselves again and again in waves of gratitude.