Kit thought for a long time about the story of Monster Bear and how the most fearsome of all the bears was overwhelmed by a flood of humans working together.

“Bear,” said Kit, “you said that you changed after Monster Bear was no longer part of the bear spirit. Do you ever miss that part of yourself?”

“Over time, all creatures change,” said Bear. “You have not spent much time around Grizzly Bear, and none at all with Polar Bear. The Bear Spirit is still plenty fierce! But now, I have become more thoughtful. I do not miss Monster Bear’s rage. More than anything, that rage made it too hard to feel the Spirit-That-Moves-In-All-Things. Just as all the bears share the Bear Spirit, all the creatures of the earth, all the plants, all the rocks, even the waters are connected by a single spirit. The world is not only rock, it is not only water, it is not the plants, it is not the animals… all things together are the Earth.

“Monster Bear’s arrogance, Monster Bear’s anger, prevented the Bear Spirit from being able to appreciate the gift of Humility. Beneath the fur, Monster Bear was no different from other bears. But Monster Bear feared that others would realize that. So even more than fur, Monster Bear wore a cloak of fear. Monster Bear was so fearsome that most humans thought Monster Bear was not even made of flesh and blood. This cloak of fear did not make Monster Bear brave. The gift of Bravery is being able to take action despite fear, not because of fear. This made Monster Bear a bully and a coward. So no, I do not miss Monster Bear.”

“Bear…,” said Kit.

“Yes,” said Bear.

“I am no bully… but I think that I might be a coward.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Bear.

“When I still lived with human beings… some things happened… bad things. I did nothing that stopped it. I am still afraid a lot of the time. I was so afraid of Wolf, even though Wolf had promised to help me, that I didn’t even ask about the Two Wolves that live inside all human beings.”

“Fear-of-Animals, the fear of being attacked, Fear-of-Water, the fear of being overwhelmed, are powerful,” said Bear. These fears live in our muscles. They live in the large muscles in our arms and legs and chest. They also live in the small muscles needed for speech.

“If you wish to be Brave, if you wish to feel the Humility that lets you sense the Spirit-That-Lives-In-All-Things, then you must walk The-Path-of-The-Warrior.

“The true Warrior is not just a fighter. The true Warrior accepts the fears all creatures feel, and takes brave action anyway. The true Warrior knows that there are always more powerful forces, and humbly takes action anyway. The true Warrior knows that no one can, every time, be successful; but still the true Warrior takes action.

“The true Warrior acts not to make others feel fear. The true Warrior’s actions inspire others to feel courage. The true Warrior acts not to receive praise from others, but because The Chief has given a mission, necessary to the good of the whole community.”

“Can you show me this path?” asked Kit.

“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.