The Day My World Opened Up

The Eagle and The Bear

I met Chuck Eagle Bear when I was forty years old. Before this meeting, I had studied healing and spirituality, from Astrology to Yoga philosophy, for twenty-five years. I had also earned nutrition and psychology college degrees. I was on a consistent, deep healing journey looking for complete healing and enlightened living while raising two daughters as a single mother and head of household.

I was reading three books a week on healing and spirituality. I also sold 42 homes a year as a Real Estate Agent, using my practical business and spiritual wisdom and focus on helping people.

My Real Estate Broker, Angus, was a chill guy who loved to smoke, drink coffee, and talk to everyone. He excitedly walked into the office one day and came directly over to my desk. He told me he met a Shaman at breakfast at the diner that morning. Angus, aware of my studies, told me I might want to meet him.

“A Shaman at breakfast, in a New Jersey Diner?” I was electrified inside and out and did not know why. I quickly took care of my business and drove to a shop he had just opened in a neighboring town. I walked into the shop and saw all manner of Native American articles. Growing up in a town with an original Native American name and a focus on our heritage of Native American land and people, I recognized some of the items.

Eagle Bear was in the rear of the store, counseling a couple of ladies. I found my way to the jewelry cases in front of the store. Careful to allow them privacy, I concentrated on the best Native Jewelry I had ever seen. Being a Leo, I love jewelry, and the Silver Navajo and Hopi pieces were spectacular.

Inner excitement was vibrating as I patiently waited for the conference in the back to be over.

Eventually, the ladies left, and Eagle Bear softly approached me in his moccasins. I turned around to meet him. He was my height, 5’6”, with thin black hair in a ponytail, rough washed-out blue jeans, and a Native symboled T-shirt; his smile was sweet and full and a little mischievous.

We stood there for a few minutes, his loving, doe-like eyes looking into and through me. He gathered my hands and said, “You are a Shaman, just like me.” I was shocked, as this was the last thing I would have expected him to say.

?As we stood there, I looked down at myself, wearing a classic red skirted suit with thin black pinstripes, my shiny black pumps, short blond coiffed hair, with gold jewelry and earrings. I then looked out at my big blue late-model Mercedes.

?I looked back at him; the store was filled with familiar and unfamiliar Native American pieces. The juxtaposition of him and me, where I was, and how I found myself there was not lost on me.

Of course, I did not believe that I was a Shaman. This was something that unfolded over a few years to embody and manifest.

I clearly remember thinking that if my calling were just like his, it would be very differently expressed and able to be received by everyday people more easily.

I have always been discerning and open to possibilities on this Journey. I have studied many traditions and realities that are always full of surprises and new ways of being, and this was far out of any box of reality I expected or knew for me.

This day began a beautiful, respectful friendship, mentorship, and apprenticeship. Chuck and I were heart and soul connected immediately. Brother and sister. This was the day the gates opened fully for me to begin to know who I am and why I am here in this body and life.

I have a very different path as a Rainbow of many worldwide lineages awakened in me. The way I was like Chuck is the beautiful heart and soul teachings of unconditional love we both shared with everyone. I also carry strong medicine of the Eagle and Bear, but that is not my medicine name. That comes in a later story.

After meeting Eagle Bear, I soon remembered a thought I had when I was twenty-eight. It said I would discover who I am and begin awakening to my full soul calling and life purpose at forty.

Immediately after meeting Chuck, I began studying with many local healing and energy medicine teachers. In 1994, I began being guided to work with renowned teachers, healers, Shamans from many traditions, Zen Masters, Sufi Masters, Gurus, Energy Masters, and more international teachers and healers. Curiosity and an open heart led me on journeys and studies that came together miraculously.

Chuck died six years later. He taught me ceremonies, tools, and teachings to assist people during our precious years together. He was the one who talked with me for hours every week about his experiences and all I studied and learned.

He passed on most of his earth energy to me when he died. His death and integrating his energy threw me into a deep space of grief. I was broken apart and down and somehow held my life together, but not easily, as my spiritual gifts unfolded.

This is a draft of the beginning of one of the chapters in my memoir; it may be the first. This meeting occurred in nineteen-ninety-two, and the Journey has been complete and unique ever since.

I am excited to share this Journey with you, before and after, with many lessons and experiences along the way, as it may help you find your path with confidence and grace.

Your calling may be more relaxed than mine. Yet, listening to stories of experiences may encourage you to follow your heart and live your soul. And know that beautiful, unforgettable experiences are real and possible.

Integrating this spiritual awakening, discoveries, healing, and teaching others into my life, family, and work was challenging. I had to follow my inner calling with curiosity, passion, and confidence, and no one else had to understand or agree. Most did not, at first.

It has been far from easy or simple on the journey. I have lost much along the way. Life has been tragic and also spectacular and everything in between. I gave up real estate and moved into doing this work full-time in 1999. I learned from being down to the bone of who I am and rebuilt and healed over and over again.

The strength, wisdom, clarity, love, peace, and contentment of being true to my calling have been rewarding, especially as I support others who find their way home to themselves, too.

It begins with being where we are in our lives and allowing us to be and explore more each day.

Thank you for reading a bit about my Journey. I hope you enjoyed the telling and that it inspires curiosity and wonder about yourself, too.

Blessings and Always in Love,

Janet StraightArrow

Be The Medicine, Live the Power of You!

?[email protected] 973-647-2500 www.bethemedicine.com ?

Be The Medicine is a process designed to help you live your “Medicine,” your “true self,” and live purposefully in everyday life. Enjoy your Journey, and call me for guidance and support, as that is the greatest gift I love to offer.

There will be much more on this relationship and many other stories of awakening the teachings and the Shaman I have always been. The adventures have been illuminating, not often easy, yet reviving and freeing. Stepping out of the box of expectations, over and over again, has opened up the world to me. I am honored to share them with you in peace and love.

The training I offer, Soul Shamanism 101, is a crafted class to help you connect with your soul, discover the love you carry inside, and unveil who you are as a beautiful soul. This Journey begins a connection that brings great peace and love into your life. Each person has a unique path, and this practice helps you connect quickly.

Join us for this life-changing class on January 20-21, 2024, in person or on Zoom. See the events page on our website for details. If you have any questions, feel free to call me.

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