Many years before founding Bear Clan, Kit was still living with Bear. You might know the story of how Kit was found in the forest, all alone, just a small human being. Perhaps you’ve heard about the Great Council of Animals and Bear’s offer to make Kit part of the Bear Family. Now years later, Kit had learned how to live like a bear. Kit felted loved and respected and a strong sense of belonging with the bears.

Only occasionally would a human hunter even come near where Kit now lived. When that did happen, Bear knew every tree in the forest and easily evaded these human hunters, who only saw the signs Bear wanted them to see.

Bear noticed from these almost encounters that Kit seemed to be truly terrified of these hunters. Afterwards, sometimes Kit’s whole body would tremble, Kit would jump at even small sounds, and would have nightmares instead of peaceful sleep.

To Bear, hunting and even being hunted was just a normal part of life for animals. Bear asked Kit why the hunters brought forth such fear. Kit did not know.

“I’m sorry,” said Kit, “I don’t really remember much about what it was like before I was a bear. I don’t like humans.”

“Hummph…,” said Bear. “It is true that you are now a bear. But you are also a human. Do you remember what Chief Buffalo said at The Great Council that convinced me to make a place for you in my family?”

Kit’s eyes got very large but no words came out.

“Kit,” said Bear, “You will always be part of the bear family. Remember your lessons in how to relax. All Chief Buffalo said was that it would be good for the animals if we understood humans better. I have an idea. Raven is known to be a very deep thinker and is always watching other animals, including humans. Why don’t you ask Raven about humans, and then let me know what you learn.”

“I will do that,” said Kit, and soon after set out to find Raven.

When Kit returned, Bear was curious to hear what Raven had said about humans.

“I’m not sure it makes sense to me,” said Kit, “but I will tell it to you the way that Raven told it to me.”

“Inside of every human being, a battle rages. It is a constant battle between two wolves. One wolf is named Fearsome. This wolf stands with head thrust forward, shoulders hunched, lips pulled back to show its fangs, which drip with bitterness. The other wolf is named Courage. This wolf stands with head held high, shoulders back, with a calm and steady look.

These two wolves have very different relationships with others. One wolf treats others as a constant threat. It tries to weaken others by making them feel afraid, confused, weak, and worthless. The other wolf treats others as it’s greatest resource. It tries to strengthen others by making them feel brave, focused, strong, and valued.

People pay close attention to one wolf, because of its potential for violence. People are attracted to the other wolf, because it brings forth feelings of admiration and inspiration. In times of danger, people are relieved to hide behind the one wolf, who they know will attack any threat. But also in times of danger, people are proud to stand alongside the other wolf, and face the danger together. The one wolf reminds people to always look out for themselves. The other wolf reminds people to always look out for one another.”

“Raven says that these two wolves are constantly at war in human beings… I don’t think I understand,” said Kit, “it seems to me that one of the wolves should be stronger. But which one?”

“Well,” said Bear, “whichever one you feed.”

This story is part 1 of the Two-Wolves Story Arc.  For an overview of how stories are used in the Bear Clan approach to therapy please see the Stories page.

Do you use stories as part of your work?

Do you have any advice to others on how to integrate stories into therapy?

Do you have any specific stories you would recommend for use in therapy?