Bear Medicine.

Exactly nine years ago, I went to Sedona, Arizona, on a Vision Quest. It was a transformative journey led by a renowned guide and shared with a group of individuals who, like me, had committed to deep personal growth. ?

We glamped under the stars, explored the majestic red rocks, and participated in sacred expeditions, rituals, and ceremonies. Our guides were Steven Benedict, known as Benny, Joseph Grey Wolf, and Melissa “The Bobcat” Wild. Their wisdom and presence created a space for profound learning and self-discovery. ?

Three experiences from that Quest stand out—my personal trinity of transformation. ?

The Talking Circle

After a particularly intense night, we gathered in a talking circle. The centerpiece was a talking stick adorned with small flags. Each of us held it in turn, sharing our experience from the night before. As the stick moved closer to me, I felt a growing discomfort. I’d had a powerful experience—raw and deeply personal. Part of the Quest was to share with honesty, without dressing up our stories. I knew I had to honor that, even though my experience felt heavier and more challenging than what others had shared. ?

When it was my turn, I spoke my truth. Two remarkable things happened. First, I saw the group visibly relax. My vulnerability seemed to open the door for deeper honesty, and one by one, they shared again, with more authenticity. Second, Joseph Grey Wolf pointed out that as I spoke, a Red-Tailed Hawk circled above me—a sign of vision, higher perspective, and seeing the big picture. It was a powerful affirmation, and I felt deeply seen. ?

The Bear Cave and the Three Stones

Later, we hiked a narrow ridge, high on the side of a mountain, to the Bear Cave, where Joseph performed a sacred ceremony. Three stones were placed before us: one orange, one purple, and one blue—representing the sacral chakra (creativity), the crown chakra (divinity), and the throat chakra (authentic voice). ?

The message was clear: to live authentically, we must create from our divine essence and express our truth. This union of creativity, divinity, and authenticity felt like a blueprint for bringing my truest self into the world. ?

Bear Medicine

One of the most unexpected and profound moments came during a hike when Benny taught us how to participate in a medicine wheel. We were instructed to find a rock that resonated with us. I found a smooth, heart-shaped red rock and, oddly, a quarter, which I held in my hand. ?

As we stood, we were asked to vision our animal medicine—the spirit animal that carries the lessons and strength we need. I was certain mine would be the Red-Tailed Hawk. But as I held my rock and quarter, I felt an unmistakable pull in my hand and heard the word Bear. I tried to dismiss it, refocusing on the hawk, but the sensation and the word grew louder. Bear. ?

I resisted at first, but I had to trust the process, even if it wasn’t what I expected. When it was my turn, I shared: My medicine is Bear.

On the ride back, Benny explained the meaning of Bear Medicine, and I felt an unshakable resonance. ?

“Bear Medicine is about strength and courage,” he said. “It embodies protection, the kind of energy that surrounds you, always. But Bear’s greatest gift is introspection. Just as the bear hibernates, Bear Medicine teaches us to go inward—to find clarity in stillness, to dream and vision, and then bring those dreams to life.” ?

He explained that Bear Medicine people need regular time for rest and reflection. “During hibernation,” he said, “bears instinctively heal themselves, often using roots like Osha, which Native Americans adopted as medicine after observing the bears. This self-healing ability is part of Bear Medicine.” ?

Benny also emphasized that Bear Medicine people are often highly sensitive, able to sense things others cannot. “It’s a gift,” he said, “but only if you trust and practice it. Bear Medicine invites you to own your sensitivity, to use it as a tool for guidance.” ?

Living Bear Medicine

When I returned home, I embraced my new medicine. I crafted a Bear Medicine Bag, filling it with my red rock, quarter, the three chakra stones, and a bear claw. I also entered my own kind of hibernation—it was November, and the timing felt perfect. ?

For what felt like the first time, I allowed myself to lean fully into introspection without guilt. I gave myself permission to slow down, rest, and let clarity emerge. I realized how essential this balance is for me: the dance between outward engagement and inward reflection. ?

Through Bear Medicine, I’ve come to understand that rest and introspection are not indulgent—they’re sacred. They hold the keys to unlocking the visions planted deep within, guiding me to rise from the stillness with renewed strength and purpose. In this balance between inner quiet and outer action, I find the alchemy that turns visions into reality and allows me to feel guided and protected as I walk my path with courage, clarity, and authenticity.

Until next time,

Kim