“There are many individual bears. There are different types of bears. But a single Bear Spirit connects all bears. Long ago, there was a type of bear that made the whole Bear Spirit more angry, more arrogant, more aggressive, and more feared by all the other animals. Humans called this bear the Monster Bear.

“Monster Bear was so large, so fierce, that even the other giants of that time, the Long-Toothed Cougar, the Dire Wolves, and even the great tusked Mammoth, feared Monster Bear. Monster Bear did not feel Fear-of-Animals. Monster Bear did not Respect any other animal. Monster Bear ate other animals but did not experience Love for the gift of food. Monster Bear killed not only the old and the weak, but even the mothers and the leaders among the other animals. Monster Bear did not feel the Spirit-That-Moves-In-All-Things.

“Monster Bear took from the earth without concern for the other animals and without concern for the future. It took a lot of food to support Monster Bear’s huge size. Monster Bear would compete with humans for the same sorts of food. Large groups of humans were too noisy, so humans would hunt in small groups. To Monster Bear these humans, with their sharp sticks, were easy to kill. The hunters became Monster Bear’s food.

“Sometimes, Monster Bear would find large groups of humans all living together. Then Monster Bear would kill many people, more people than Monster Bear could even eat. Monster Bear did not want to share the forest with the humans. But always there seemed to be more humans.

“The humans learned to fear Monster Bear. They did not know if Monster Bear was a mortal creature or some kind of supernatural demon. Humans did everything they could to avoid contact. Still, Monster Bear killed many humans.

“One moon it rained and rained and rained. Great floods swept the land. A group of humans found the body of a Monster Bear, drowned by the flood waters. No animal, no mater how strong, can match the power of water.

“These humans studied Monster Bear’s body and learned that on the inside, Monster Bear was the same as other animals. With this knowledge, the humans found their courage. They had seen the power of water. They had seen how a wolf pack could bring down a much larger animal, and they developed their plan.

“The human hunters set out in a much larger group than normal. All the other animals heard them coming and ran away. But Monster Bear never ran from anything.

“Each human had a long stick with a sharp rock attached to the end. They tracked Monster Bear to Monster Bear’s home. They stood in two circles around Monster Bear. The humans in the inner circle would jump forward and stab Monster Bear with their sticks. Then they would quickly jump back and the outer circle of humans would rush forward, stab Monster Bear and quickly jump back.

“Monster Bear could have broken through the circles of human hunters and escaped. But without Fear-of-Animals there is no Gift of Bravery, only aggression. Monster Bear would never flee. Monster Bear would never freeze. Monster Bear would only fight.

“Without Fear-of-Water, there is no Humility, only arrogance. Monster Bear could not imagine being defeated. Monster Bear had no recognition that always there are more powerful forces than any one creature.

“So Monster Bear fought! Monster Bear hurt some of the humans, but always two more humans would jump in with their sharp sticks. It was a flood of humans! Monster Bear could easily kill one human, or even several humans. But this flood of humans, attacking from all sides, overwhelmed the mighty Monster Bear. Monster Bear was defeated. Monster Bear was killed.

“In this way, the humans killed all the Monster Bears. Monster Bear left the Bear Spirit and I, the Spirit of All Bears, learned how to experience and express Respect and Love for other creatures. I learned how to seek Truth and Honesty in my thoughts. I learned how to act with Bravery and Humility. It took a great deal of work, but I learned how to walk The-Path-of-the-Chief and became the Spirit-Keeper of the West.”

Kit was excited to be reunited with Bear.

“It is good to see you Kit,” said Bear. “Tell me about your journey to the South. What did you learn about the 7 Fears and the 7 Gifts?”

“I thought it would be easier,” said Kit. “I never found the Spirit-Keeper of the South! But… I did find other allies who helped me – especially Coyote.”

“Coyote is a great teacher,” said Bear. “But Coyote’s love of tricks can make my head hurt. What teachings did Coyote share with you?”

“Ha! I heard the same thing about Coyote from some of the other animals!” said Kit. “I wasn’t sure if I could believe Coyote, but I really thought about it and it seems like truth to me.

“Fear-of-The-Cold, the fear that the world is too challenging a place, is balanced by the Gift of Respect. If others respect you, they will look out for you in situations where you need assistance. Fear-of-The-Cold inspires a person to respect the real dangers in the world and motivates people to grow in skill. Thinking out how to get your needs met will also counter Fear-of-The-Cold.”

“I believe that is true,” said Bear. “I would add that people must go beyond thinking and also take actions that will calm their Fear-of-The-Cold. People must take actions to always learn new skills. What about the next of the 7 Fears?”

“Fear-of-Being-Alone, the fear that without others you will fail, is balanced by the Gift of Love. When you experience and express love you create a sense of belonging with others. You carry a piece of others with you. When others have love for you they will always want to help you.”

“Did you learn about any of the other Fears and Gifts?” asked Bear.

One second, Kit was having a conversation with Deer, and seemingly the next moment, Kit was on all fours, locked eye to eye with a wolf! Instinctively, Kit’s eyes lowered.

“Don’t be afraid, young pup,” said Wolf. “I know you. You are Kit, the human who lives with the bears.”

Kit didn’t say anything. Kit’s muscles were so tight that even breathe, let alone words, could barely escape.

“The Pack has just had a successful hunt!” said Wolf. “As promised at the Great-Council, we will treat you like a member of the Pack. You can share our kill.”

Still Kit did not move or say anything.

“Come with me Kit and let the rest of of the Pack meet you. It would be good for each member of the Pack to learn your scent.”

Slowly Kit came away from the rocks and was soon surrounded by wolves. Kit’s heart was pounding so hard that it seemed to block out all thought. With weak legs, Kit sat down as various wolves came over, the boldest actually touching Kit with their noses. Kit’s eyes were very large and Kit’s chest felt very tight.

“I can smell your fear,” said Wolf. “Try to relax. Your fear is making the younger wolves nervous.”

Kit tried to relax, but Kit’s muscles remained tight, and Kit’s mind was clouded.

“I do not know what has given you such a fright,” said Wolf, “but tonight you can sleep well, knowing that the Pack is all around you and will keep you from harm.”

After a much needed rest day, Kit and Coyote continued their journey across the south-lands.

“Where was I in telling you about Coyote-Thinking?” asked Coyote, one evening.

“You said that Coyote-Thinking begins with seeking a Clear Vision. That vision is the northern border of my journey map. I start with my immediate problem, and figure out what the bigger journey is all about,” said Kit.

“That’s very good,” said Coyote. “What comes next?”

“Then you work on having a Clear Heart,” said Kit. “Where finding a Clear Vision is about WHAT you’re seeking to discover, finding a Clear Heart is about WHY you are going on that journey. My inspiration and motivation forms the eastern border of my journey map.”

“I can tell that you were listening,” said Coyote. “To travel with a Clear Heart, it helps to think about WHY that journey will change your life for the better. Travel is hard. Change is difficult. Remembering your “why” will help keep you on your path.”

“After you do your best to have Clear Vision and Clear Heart, you figure out how to have Clear Mind,” said Kit. “I think that’s as far as we got.”

“Excellent!” said Coyote. “Do you remember the 3 Zones of Awareness practiced by The Scout?”

“What’s going on inside of me, what’s going on in my immediate surroundings, and what’s going on in the larger surroundings,” said Kit.

“As you travel on your journey, as you move through your day, the successful coyote practices awareness. This means learning to always pay attention to what your senses tell you is going on inside yourself, in your immediate surroundings, and in the larger surroundings.

“Paying attention to your senses can actually help clear your mind, but it is not enough” said Coyote. “Remember that fear clouds the mind. A Clear Mind is like a clear path. The successful coyote is look for four things on the path:

• Fear-of-The-Cold is the fear that the world is too difficult a place. So, first, coyotes learn to always look for WHERE, WHEN, and HOW basic needs will be met. It’s very hard to think if you’re worried about your own safety and security. As you follow your path look at the challenges of the world with Respect, not with Fear.

• Fear-of-Being-Alone is the fear that the world is too difficult to manage by yourself. So, second, coyotes learn to always look for WHO could be an ally. Even when your allies are not present they give you a sense of belonging that gives you the courage to explore. To find allies on your path, treat others with Love, not with Fear.

• Fear-of-The-Woods is the fear of becoming lost in a dangerous world. So, third, coyotes learn to always look for the OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS on your path. Look for the Truth in the world, don’t fear to explore.

• Fear-of-The-Dark is the fear of becoming lost in the negativity of your own mind. So, fourth, coyotes learn to always look for the STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES they bring with them on their path. Look at yourself with Honesty, don’t fear your own dark thoughts.”

Kit was resting, recovering from some injuries, when Coyote returned carrying a recently killed badger.

“I’ve brought some excellent food!” said Coyote. “There’s nothing like fresh meat to help your body replace a little lost blood.”

“That is very generous of you,” said Kit. “Perhaps I could eat the heart and other organs.”

“Eat all of it,” said Coyote. “I have been quite the warrior this morning and have already eaten a squirrel and many termites. Don’t let any of this delicious badger go to waste. That, too, is part of the Gift of Respect.”

“I do respect the sacrifice made by Badger so that I could have some fresh meat. But…, I need fire to be able to eat all that meat.”

“That must be one reason why I always smell fire smoke when I use my scout skills to observe human beings,” said Coyote. “Many times have I tested my stealth skills by watching human beings as they gather around a fire. Frankly, your dogs pay more attention than most of your people!”

“I do miss fire. But I am a bear now and bears don’t use fire,” said Kit.

“Silly young person. I thought we agreed that you are both a bear and a human being. I’ve seen you make sharp pieces of rock to cut food. Why not use other human tools?”

“I don’t know…. Besides, it’s hard to make fire! I’ve seen it done many times, and I think I remember how….”

Kit looked around, and only a few feet away was a sage bush.

“That sage bush is a good plant for making fire,” said Kit.

“Well, that, I would like to see!” said Coyote.

Inspired by Coyote’s curiosity, and especially inspired by the idea of eating some cooked meat, Kit decided to try and make fire.

Using a sharp piece of rock, Kit cut off parts of the sage bush. Kit knew that fast work would be needed if the meat was to be cooked before going bad. Kit made a base-board and a long straight rod. Kit then gathered some dry grasses and ripped up other dry wood, making a bundle that looked a bit like a squirrel’s nest. Kit also gathered other dry wood that was nearby, sorting it into different size pieces.

Coyote watched, amazed, as Kit took the rod and spun it as fast as possible, back and forth, on a notch cut into the baseboard. Smoke started to rise from the board! After a great deal of effort, and what appeared to be many failed attempts, Kit suddenly dropped the rod and gentle tapped a small glowing coal into the bundle. Kit blew into the thin line of smoke rising from the bundle, and, it burst into flame!

After a beautiful sunrise, Kit and Coyote set out once again. Coyote was quickly down the trail. Kit took a last look at the land they would likely travel today, and then headed toward the trail.

Kit was quite hungry this morning and noticed a field of rocks off to the side, filled by many moths. This will be an easy meal, thought Kit.

The footing was very tricky on this steep slope, covered with flat rocks of varying sizes. It turned out to be harder to catch those moths than Kit expected. Kit got about half-way down the slope, grabbed at a moth, and with the slip of a rock, the world suddenly switched to a kind of slow motion….

For a strangely extended second, Kit felt suspended in mid-air, almost lying flat above the earth. Then…, wham! Kit’s breath exploded as back, hip, and thigh smacked into the rocks. Kit’s vision narrowed to a long black tunnel, and an eagle’s scream pierced the sky!

Kit lay still.

For the past few days Kit and Coyote journeyed together. Coyote would serve as scout, reporting back to Kit once or twice during the day and spending the night together.

During the day time check-in’s, the focus was on basic survival needs – where Kit could find water and possibly food. At night, Coyote and Kit would pick a spot to shelter. Coyote liked to be up high where there was a view of the land. Kit and Coyote would talk about The-Way-of-The-Scout and about Coyote-Thinking.

“Once you have Clear Vision and Clear Heart,” said Coyote, “the next stage of Coyote-Thinking is to develop Clear Mind.

“It will be rare when your vision and heart are perfectly clear. Still, there are many techniques that will help you find a Clear Mind. Following The-Way-of-The-Scout will help.

“The Scout always seeks to improve knowledge of the three-zones of awareness: what is going on inside your own body, what is going on in your immediate surroundings, and what is going on in the larger surrounding.

“To be more aware of what is going on in your own body, many people use meditation and relaxation exercises. Anyone can learn how to do this. With enough practice, anyone can become a master.

“To be more aware of what is going on in your immediate surrounding, there are sensory exercises, such as owl eyes, deer ears, and fox walking that can be learned and mastered. Part of awareness is learning how to be a skilled observer.

“To be more aware of your larger surrounding, there are ways of sensing the connections between your immediate surroundings and the larger world. All life creates ripples, like an acorn hitting a still pond. These circles impact the circles created by others, and so on, stretching far across the world.

“The Scout must become a master of awareness, a master of seeing connections, and then must report the truth of the world as seen through honest eyes. To do that, The Scout must be aware of fear. Fear, more than anything else, clouds the mind.”

“I know about Fear-of-The-Cold and Fear-of-Being-Alone,” said Kit. “Fear-of-The-Cold is the fear that you will not be able to survive the world. Sometimes the world is just too difficult a place. Fear-of-Being-Alone is the fear that by yourself you will fail.”

“So, to have Clear Mind, you must address those fears,” said Coyote.

“Well…,” said Kit, “I know that the Gifts of Respect and Love will counter those fears.”

“More accurately,” said Coyote, “experiencing and expressing Respect and Love will keep those fears from growing too strong. That is The-Way-of-The-Artist.

“The-Way-of-The-Scout takes a more planned approach. Fear-of-The-Cold is addressed by planning how to get your basic survival needs met: shelter, water, food. What skills do you already have to be safe? What skills do you need to add?

“Fear-of-Being-Alone is addressed by having allies. Even now, Eagle keeps an eye on you each day. Bear and Buffalo are waiting for you to report back to them. All the animals from the Great-Council have promised to help you. What allies do you have? What allies can you gain?

“It is a sense of belonging that gives The Scout the heart to explore,” said Coyote.

“I still find this to be a difficult journey,” said Kit.

“When we explore,” said Coyote, “we must address a new fear that emerges, the fear of becoming lost. This fear takes two forms. Fear-of-The-Woods represents the fear of becoming lost in the world, unable to find the proper path. Fear-of-The-Dark represents the fear of becoming lost in your own mind.”

“When I still lived with my mom and dad, they would warn us not to wander off in the woods,” said Kit.

“Yes, when we are all very young, we feel the need to explore, but have not yet experienced Fear-of-The-Woods. That is one reason why the young need to be kept sheltered and safe,” said Coyote. “When we get older we need to seek Truth.”

“What do you mean?” asked Kit.

Kit had spent weeks wandering the South-lands, looking for the Spirit-Keeper of the South. No one seemed able to point the way. Fortunately, Kit had learned an exercise from King Snake, called Snake-at-Rest breathing that helped with feeling frustrated.

In talking to Coyote, Kit realized that the problem wasn’t really finding the Spirit-Keeper. The bigger problem, the journey Kit was on, was to find out what it means to be a human being.

“Yesterday,” said Coyote, “I told you that Coyote-Thinking is like making a journey map. You start with your immediate problem in the middle part of your map. Then, to understand the boundaries of your map you look to the four directions.

“In the north, you seek Clear Vision. You want a clear perspective on what larger journey you are on. Recognize that whatever your immediate problem, it is but a waypoint on your map. It’s a temporary destination that points the way, but it is not the whole journey.”

“I think I understand the northern boundary of my journey map,” said Kit. “Finding the Spirit-Keeper, or even learning all there is to know about the two wolves and the 7 Fears and the 7 Gifts, are just waypoints on my journey. The real problem, what I was asked to do by Chief Buffalo, is help the animals better understand human beings.”

“That seems much more clear. Well done, Kit,” said Coyote. “This will be a difficult journey. There will be times when you want to quit. So next you must seek a Clear Heart. You must strengthen your will-power by knowing WHY you are willing to take this journey.”

“Take your bigger, Clear Vision, and turn to the eastern boundary of your journey map. You must seek a Clear Heart. You must put into words as many of the reasons as possible for WHY you are on this journey. What will success feel like for you? What will it mean for others?”

“Having a Clear Heart is not easy,” said Kit. “This has been a difficult and frustrating journey. Part of me feels like just giving up. I guess I’m just curious about the two-wolves that Raven told me are always battling inside all human beings.”

“Curiosity is a powerful motivator,” said Coyote. “It’s gotten me into a lot of trouble, and its taught me a lot about the world and about myself. You must think more about this. Why are you curious about human beings? Why not just live your life and not worry about these confusing things? What will this knowledge do for you? What will it do for others?”

“I’ll need to think about that. I do want some answers for myself. I am proud to be a bear. The bears have been very good to me. But I am also a human being. I would know better what that means. Besides, I told Chief Buffalo that I would help the animals to better understand human beings…. Can I still move on to the other steps of Coyote-Thinking or do I need more for a Clear Heart?”

“Often times one must journey without a perfect map,” said Coyote. “Most of the time, we all have mixed feelings. It is, at best, a temporary thing to actually have a Clear Heart. What’s important is to keep seeking your ‘why’.

“Your reasons, your feelings, for why you are on a journey, instead of just staying in the same spot, may be difficult to put into words,” pointed out Coyote. “But you should try. It is the act of trying to put your feelings and your motivations into words that is important. Each day, as you learn more, you should work on clarifying the boundaries of your journey map. When you have a Clear Heart, it is much easier to have a Clear Mind.

“A Clear Mind makes up the southern boundary of your journey map. To keep a Clear Mind, you will have to learn The-Way-of-the-Scout. You will need to develop your scout skills and you will need to address the fears that all beings have. Fear will cloud the mind.”

“With Clear Heart and Clear Mind, you will then be ready to define the western boundary of your journey map – Clear Actions. But this is too much to learn all at once. For today, let us journey together. Perhaps you can reach one of the waypoints on your trip and you can work on having a Clear Heart.”

“It will be good to have some company today. I have been feeling too alone here in the south,” said Kit.

“Then we will journey together for a time. I’ll tell you a story about Coyote-Thinking while we start out. Coyote-Thinking can be used for small problems as well as large.

Kit had been exploring the South-lands for many weeks. As the land changed, Kit stayed close to the few streams in the area. Every day Kit practiced Snake-at-Rest breathing. Kit saw few animals, but always asked for help in finding the Spirit-Keeper of the South. Unfortunately, no one pointed Kit in a particular direction.

Kit did get the impression that the Spirit-Keeper moved around a lot, but still didn’t even know which animal was the Spirit-Keeper of the South! Kit became more frustrated as the stream being followed became smaller and smaller.

Kit felt a lot of respect for King Snake and so practiced Snake-at-Rest breathing every day. Kit had to be patient because, to be honest, Kit didn’t really feel any different. Sometimes, it made Kit feel a little light-headed for a few seconds, but otherwise it made Kit feel a bit silly. Kit remembered that King Snake said that the breathing exercise needed to be done every day for at least three moons.

Kit also practiced walking quietly and softly. Because of this, Kit was beginning to find a lot more animals. That was encouraging, but still the animals seemed to be of little help in finding the Spirit-Keeper. Just before bounding off, Jackrabbit said to Kit, “You’re better off avoiding that one! Nothing but trouble. Makes my head hurt!”

Kit was beginning to feel hopeless. Because of the hot sun, thirst was becoming a real concern. Thankfully, the now almost dry stream bed rounded a curve and opened up into a small pool. The water was clear and right there was a nice fat fish!

Slowly and calmly Kit slipped into the pool and caught that fish. Kit was certainly used to eating raw fish. But, standing there in the water, Kit thought it would be wonderful to lay that fish out on the flat rocks just above the pool. Kit could drink water and enjoy sitting in the pool while that fish cooked a little on the sun-heated rocks.

One of the things Kit missed about living with humans was fire-cooked food. Kit opened up the fish and placed it on the hot rocks. Sliding back into the pool, Kit marveled at how good that water tasted! Kit’s headache went away. Kit’s muscles felt better. The cool feeling of water on skin was very welcome.

Much refreshed Kit stood up to reach that fish and was stunned to see nothing but empty rock!

Kit couldn’t believe it. This was so unfair. Just when things were looking up, it now felt like this entire quest was impossible. Kit began to feel scared. It was too hard to live in this land, especially all alone. Kit began to softly cry.

Kit started to feel overwhelmed. Kit sat back down in the water and decided to try some Snake-at-Rest breathing. That actually seemed to help. Certainly Kit felt much calmer.

Kit climbed out of the pool to look again at that empty rock. This time Kit noticed some tracks from the rock leading around a large boulder. Quietly, Kit crawled around that boulder – and almost bumped heads with a large coyote!

Kit was anxious about setting out alone for the South-lands. But Kit felt inspired by Eagle. Eagle had helped Kit see that Fear-of-The-Cold and Fear-of-Being-Alone were powerful in the lives of all beings.

Eagle also helped Kit see how the Gifts of Respect and Love could provide balance. With a strong sense of balance, fears that are part of all people will not cause too much instability.

So, on a beautiful sunny day, with an adventurous heart, Kit set out. Kit was determined to find the Spirit-Keeper of the South and learn more about the 7 Fears and the 7 Gifts.

Kit followed the mid-day sun. Before long Kit came to a river that was heading south as well. Kit was excellent at catching fish. Kit had learned how to combine techniques remembered from living with humans and skills that Bear had fostered. Everyone knew Bear was a master at catching fish!

Kit walked this path for many days and saw how gradually the river faded, the land became increasingly dry, and the trees practically disappeared. Kit saw tracks for many small animals, such as lizards, but rarely saw one.

Being alone began to wear on Kit. Kit was beginning to fear that there would not be enough water or food here in the South-lands. The sun was so hot that it became difficult to even think!

A tired Kit was turning over rocks, looking for something to eat. Suddenly a massive surge of energy – time appeared to slow, sounds became hollow – Kit’s face was inches from a huge snake!