A Black Bear or a White-Tailed Deer?

A brief reflection on showing up in the world

I sometimes feel like I have two personalities: a white-tailed deer and a black bear.

As a white-tailed deer, I am quiet. Attuned to potential threats. I lean into community and trust my herd to look out for me.

And as a black bear, I am independent. Strong. Capable of taking care of myself.

Both are resourceful, adaptable, resilient. Both will put themselves between their offspring and a potential threat.

At each moment, how I choose to show up in the world is up to me. Does a situation call for doe energy: observant, sensitive, responsive? Or does it call for the bear: fierce, take charge, ready to fight?

What energy are you choosing to bring forward right now? Does it match who you want to be in this situation? Can you move fluidly between the bear and the deer?

What other energies are showing up in your life? Let me know in the comments. Let’s welcome all the ways that our energies appear in our lives.