Grizzly

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear.

These awe-inspiring giants tend to be solitary animals—with the exception of females and their cubs—but at times they do congregate. Dramatic gatherings of grizzly bears can be seen at prime Alaskan fishing spots when the salmon run upstream for summer spawning. In this season, dozens of bears may gather to feast on the fish, craving fats that will sustain them through the long winter ahead.

Brown bears dig dens for winter hibernation, often holing up in a suitable-looking hillside. Females give birth during this winter rest and their offspring are often twins.

Grizzly bears are powerful, top-of-the-food-chain predators, yet much of their diet consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. Bears also eat other animals, from rodents to moose.

Grizzlies are typically brown, though their fur can appear to be white-tipped, or grizzled, lending them their traditional name.

Despite their impressive size, grizzlies are quite fast and have been clocked at 30 miles (48 kilometers) an hour. They can be dangerous to humans, particularly if surprised or if humans come between a mother and her cubs.

Grizzlies once lived in much of western North America and even roamed the Great Plains. European settlement gradually eliminated the bears from much of this range, and today only about 1,000 grizzlies remain in the continental U.S., where they are protected by law. Many grizzlies still roam the wilds of Canada and Alaska, where hunters pursue them as big game trophies.

Size: 6 x 8 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $65.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Respecting Wildlife

href="http://blog.riverrockcritters.com/uploaded_images/bear_cub_wallart_handpainted_nature_river-rock_critters-719820.jpg">

For better or worse, much of the world we experience is dominated and controlled by human beings. We spend our days in houses, cars, and buildings, and inside these structures, we are in control. We assert our wills and manipulate our environment. Within the context of the human world, this is natural.

We often carry this attitude with us into the world of nature. We forget as we enter the forest, or sit on the edge of a pond, that we are moving into another realm, one that asks us to leave our baggage behind and surrender to a different sense of order and meaning.

We move from our everyday world into the world of Nature, we may not even notice it at first. We continue talking loudly into our cell phone or to a friend that is with us. We walk quickly as if we are on a busy city street, our eyes downcast, our thoughts hectic and hurried.

We may hear ducks calling, or wind moving through the leaves on a tree. If we notice the shift, we will naturally shift as well. If we don't we may get all the way through a beautiful park without having lowered our voices.

Next time you find yourself in the presence of wildlife-even if it's just a duck pond in the midst of urban hustle-try to move into a receptive state of openness and listening, no matter how much time you have. Allow yourself to be captivated and calmed by the energy of the wildlife that covers this earth. Teaching our children to be respectful of nature and to stop and observe is a gift they can always cherish.

We preserve the pocket of nature in our urban centers and large expanses of nature in our national parks because of the magic we feel in its presence. It reminds us of our smallness and calls us back to a deeper, quieter part of ourselves.

When we honor nature by being in its presence, we honor the mystery and wild beauty of our origin.

DAILY OM

The above art piece is from the RiverRock Wall Art collection. I wanted to reflect on the beauty of nature and the small critters that inhabit our surroundings. Peaceful, innocent, serene. This piece measures 14 1/2 x 9 1/2 and is priced at $45.00. This would truly compliment any part of your home and would also be a lovely gift for the animal lover in your life.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Animal Spirit Guides and Guardians

Worldly Wisdom Can be Achieved

Native American medicine features animal guides such as bear, butterfly, coyote, dog, eagle, hawk, horse, snake, spider, and wolf as elements in healing and self-knowledge.

Wisdom traditions teach that worldly wisdom can only be achieved when you first learn to know thyself. One of the most popular elements of Native American symbolism is the role of animal spirit guides-animals that represent parts of ourselves and can teach us to integrate, heal and develop both our weaknesses and our strengths.

What is an Animal Guide?

Most Native American tribes believe that our ancestors watch over us and guide us. Our grandparents and great-grandparents act as spirit guides, lending wisdom, support and spiritual protection when we need it - or when we remember to ask.

In addition to the ancestors and other sprit guides, everyone is born with a connection to one or more animal guides.

Animal guides are spirit guides that are animals. They may be animals we have known in life (such as a deceased pet) or they may be personal symbols that represent the qualities of an animal. The characteristics of our animal guides are qualities that we possess or that we need to learn from in our lives.

How Can I find My Animal Guide or Guides?

What's your favorite animal? Most people’s guides include animals they are drawn to and care about. Your favorite animal is usually the one to which you have the strongest connection.

Other animal totems may be animals that you resemble or that you are particularly drawn to. An animal bites you, in a dream or in real life, it is said to be one of your most important animal guide teachers.

Meditation, guided visualizations, and astral travel can all be good ways to meet your animal guides. Some shamans and healers who work with animal medicine guides may be able to "see" or sense some of your guides, and point you in the right direction to learn more.

Nine Animal Guides in Action

Bear -- is the part of the self that needs to retreat into its own space.

Butterfly -- stands for our ability to accept the beauty of growth and change in our lives

Coyote -- is the trickster totem. He created confusion, self-sabotage, humor, and that delightful sensation when you aren’t sure if you've gone crazy.

Eagle -- represents wisdom and power on a spiritual dimension.

Hawk -- is the messenger and represents perspective.

Horse -- represents power, personal power and permission to be oneself.

Snake -- is a powerful guide for healers. The snake enables shamans to transmute poisons of the body and mind.

Spider -- is the creative totem of artists, crafter, writers and painters.

Wolf -- is the animal guide of true teachers. They are also connected to the moon and feminine energy.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter