Bear symbolism: Learn the unique message the bear spirit animal has for you

Bear Symbolism

LEARN THE UNIQUE MESSAGE AND MEANING THE BEAR SPIRIT ANIMAL HAS FOR YOU

Bear symbolism and spirit animal meaning

You are here because bears are important in your life, or are loved by someone you are close to. It may be that your stuffed teddy bear created a lifelong love affair with these furry, powerful creatures. Or perhaps you recently have started seeing real bears, or hearing stories of bears and it has you wondering...what is the meaning of the bear in my life?

If this is not your first time exploring animal symbolism, you have probably done a web search, or looked in a book, or even pulled out your trusty spirit animal oracle deck to get an idea of the message and symbolism of the bear. And while you may have received some really helpful guidance from those sources, many times outside sources can leave you with the feeling that they did not quite hit the mark. This can be frustrating, and it is easy to just feel like giving up. But don’t give up, because you can follow a few simple steps, outlined below, to uncover the personal and unique message that the bear has for you at this time.

The trouble with all those sources you have been looking at is that they miss the essential ingredient in understanding the message your spirit animal has for you....YOU. That’s right, YOU are the essential missing piece in getting the complete and personal message from your spirit animal. So, let’s start bringing you into the equation right now.

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Bear symbolism exercise: message and meaning of the bear

Below is a passage about the bear. As you read it, pay attention to your emotions. Notice whenever you feel a strong emotion. It might be a YES that is so me...or a NO WAY. In either case, pause and write down what you responded to and what you felt. OK...ready? Here we go.

The bear hybernates all winter, emerging in the spring to begin anew. We can learn from this that we, too can recover and rise up from a period of dormancy. If you have been resting on your laurels, or taking a time-out from the demands of life, bear is telling you it is time to step out of your self-imposed isolation, or the comfort of your solitude, and step into your rightful role. There may be something you have been avoiding, a task that calls you to be more present and confident than you were. Now is the time to emerge and be seen.

If anything you read caused an emotional response, read over what you noted down. Give yourself 5 minutes to write about each thing that caused an emotional response. Write fast and free, without editing or limiting yourself. Everything that comes to mind is important.

If nothing resonated with you in the passage above, no worries. The message bear has for you is even more personal. Follow the 3 steps below to discover the unique and personal message your spirit animal has for you.

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Bear symbolism: Three steps for uncovering the unique message the bear spirit animal has for you

These three steps will help you discover the deeper, more personal meaning and message your spirit animal has for you. I recommend following at least one of these three steps to gain deeper understanding of the unique message of your spirit animal.

  1. Write about your animal. Write everything that comes to mind. Write without concern for spelling or punctuation. Write to get it all out, every last association, memory, preconceived notion, and judgement. Write stream-of-consciousness and pour everything out onto the page. Doing this, you will get all the superficial associations out of the way and connect to the deeper meaning and message your animal has for you.
  2. Study your animal. Research all it's qualities, where it lives, what it does, what it eats, what kind of relationships it has. Create a journal about your animal and really get to know it. If something strikes you, write about it in more depth to discover what about it has meaning for you. Be open to surprises. Often memories and associations arise unexpectedly that deliver messages we need to hear.
  3. Make a collage about your animal. Collect images of your animal and of places, objects, patterns, and colors that you associate with your animal. Glue them to a piece of cardboard, heavy paper, or foam core. Add any special words or messages on the board.

BONUS STEP: Do a soul scribble to discover other messages your animal has for you.

By following one or all of the above steps you will uncover the true message your spirit animal has for you and come to a deeper level of appreciation of all it has to teach you.

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Continuing to work with your spirit animal

As you evolve and grow your spirit animal may return to you with new messages. Aspects of your animal which did not resonate in the past will suddenly have meaning. Be open. Do not lock your spirit animal into the messages it first delivered. Instead, greet your spirit animal with fresh eyes, as if meeting it for the first time, and receive the insights it is bringing you.

Bear symbolism: the story behind the painting

Curious about the story behind the painting featured in this post? Hop over here to watch the 6-minute video here.

Bear Symbolism: Shop Bear Spirit Animal

Longing to have some bear energy in your life? Shop for bear prints, posters, and t-shirts here.