Spirit of the Bear LLC

Feel better and thrive with reflexology and holistic wellness programs. Health coaching, herbs, nutritional supplements, & lifestyle medicine - Tracey Turner

I had just a small spark of hope that things could get better when I was seriously ill with lupus in 1995. I was convinced my body hated me. But I decided that for the sake of my two young sons, especially, that I was going to make a complete recovery even though I had no idea how I would make it happen. And I was determined that I would find purpose and meaning for all I’d been through by using my experiences to help others someday. I turned to holistic therapies, and with a lot of determination, I started out on my life-long journey of healing. Now decades later, lupus (and the other auto-immune diseases that came along after it) are all completely gone. I’m deeply grateful to be in the best health of my life and to have a career as a holistic wellness professional, supporting others on their healing journey, too.

Includes consultation with personalized recommendations, herbs, supplements, online holistic wellness program, one-on-one coaching, and support. Work with me long distance, too.

Reflexology is a natural, relaxing therapy done on the feet and hands. By working the reflexes to all areas of the body, it helps to bring stress relief and improved health, circulation, and balance.

I started Spirit of the Bear because I made a promise decades ago that when I beat lupus, I would use what I’d been through to help others accomplish the impossible, too. 

It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to support others’ goals for improving their health and well-being as they live their very best lives, too.

My first reflexology experience was amazing! Tracey is a kind, patient, highly knowledgeable reflexologist. Treat yourself to a session with Tracey and find out what it’s like to be really relaxed.

I have been working with Tracey for a few months now and what I have experienced with her is that she is compassionate, thorough, intuitive, and an incredible listener. She does incredible detective work to try to help you figure out where the root of problem is. Highly recommended.

My reflexology session with Tracey was amazingly relaxing and balancing. She made me feel comfortable and was very professional as well as knowledgeable. I look forward to more sessions with Tracey so she can continue to help me stay centered and healthy.

I always have a wonderful reflexology experience at Spirit of the Bear. Tracey has created a relaxing and welcoming space, and she has a very calming demeanor. I feel so good and relaxed every time I leave my appointment, and I have seen improvement with my issues. I highly recommend!

My reflexology session with Tracey was amazingly relaxing and balancing. She made me feel comfortable and was very professional as well as knowledgeable. I look forward to more sessions with Tracey so she can continue to help me stay centered and healthy.

I’ve been seeing Tracey for appx 1 1/2 years. I cannot sing her praises enough. Through reflexology, I have made drastic improvements in areas that were seriously affecting my physical and emotional health. Most importantly, my anxiety is now under control (I have been able to come off my medication), and as a result, other areas of concern are responding to therapy in positive ways. I am so happy with the outcomes. Thank you, Tracey!

What a wonderful experience! Tracey has a very peaceful, warm presence. She explained the process and asked great questions to get a fuller picture of my needs. It was my first experience with Reflexology and I already booked a 2nd appointment. My nervous system is on a race track most days but being allowed to melt into a zero gravity chair with therapeutic reflexology was a real treat. Thank you!

I’ve had extraordinary experiences with Tracey at Spirit of the Bear reflexology. I have never felt so completely relaxed, a sensation that I have been able to recreate after leaving the studio. Tracey has created a welcoming venue for her studio where one immediately feels the benefits of the treatment upon entering. I’m a new client and don’t know what the longer effects will be but I do know that I feel better!

I had trouble with severe sciatica for several months. Which the pain improved after PT. However, I had residual decreased range of motion, sometimes worse than others. After just 2 reflexology sections my ROM is much proved and continues to stay that way.The atmosphere at Tracey’s … Spirit of the Bear is very relaxing and has a feeling of a happy place. So glad I found her. And will continue with reflexology!

Tracey has such a lovely, healing touch–my entire experience was top notch! It is easy to book an appointment online and you will receive a confirmation email with details pertinent to your appointment. I have had reflexology and other modalities of therapy before, but Spirit of the Bear offers an incredibly relaxing, healing experience that is superior. Tracey gathers pertinent info about one’s condition and talks about the goals you have for your session(s). I had pronounced plantar faciitis in my left foot and felt stiff with aching muscles due to a recent fall and months of emotional stress. After my first session with Tracey, I literally felt like a new person! The pain in my foot was all but resolved and I felt a release in tightness throughout my body and no aches! Her touch was just right, not too deep and so relaxing. The warm stones that she puts in between your toes and the warm towels wrapped around your feet as she works on your hands is so comforting! Sessions with Tracey are a wonderful way to treat yourself and to support your overall health. I am booking more appointments soon even though I live out of state. I come home to WY often, so I will look forward to my sessions with Tracey. If you live in Cheyenne, or nearby, do not hesitate, you will find relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation through Tracey’s wonderful work at Spirit of the Bear!

If you’re looking for a gentle, yet powerful, approach to healing, I highly recommend going to Tracey at the Spirit of Bear. With a personalized approach, she helps restore balance within. Healing awaits – there is no time to lose!

Tracey did a fantastic job again, she made me feel comfortable and got circulation flowing in my hands and feet. Her courtesy and graciousness is absolutely tops, making everything so easy and removing any negativity. She’s truly the best!

I have benefitted from massage therapy for years and have always cherished the time spent working on my hands and feet. So imagine my delight in discovering Reflexology and the opportunity to have a full session dedicated to hands and feet!

Tracey is a skilled and intuitive practitioner and my first session was totally relaxing and healing in many ways. Deepest thanks to my friend Deb, who gifted me my first session.

Tracey is amazing! I absolutely love having reflexology done! Not only for the relaxing part, but for my job as a hairstylist, it’s incredible how much pain she relieves each session. It helps me get through long busy days behind the chair.10/10 would recommend to anyone!

I had no hesitation to make a second appointment after my first appointment. Tracey made me totally comfortable and relaxed. The atmosphere of her business is professional and put me at ease immediately! I have no doubt that I will be a regular client!

Today I had my third appointment with Tracey. I plan to see her every two weeks when I can get an appointment. she is a true professional and I am totally relaxed when I am under her care and I feel fantastic when my session is over. I need to thank Cyndy for recommending Tracey. My youngest sister went to her when she was visiting me. She said it was the first time in years her hips did NOT hurt after going to Tracey. She said it was like a miracle.

I now make my appointments every two weeks. I feel totally relaxed after my appointments. Seeing Tracey every two weeks is now a priority for me. My neuropathy has improved and I love feeling so relaxed. We are blessed to have Tracey in Cheyenne.

I’m working with Tracey as a reflexologist and also a holistic herbalist. This review is for the reflexology (I’ll write another one later for the holistic herbology)I cannot say enough good things about my experiences with Tracey. She is professional, knowledgeable, kind, and understanding. Her reflexology skills relax me deeper than just about anything else I have experienced. I feel better physically and emotionally and can’t wait for my next appointment. I highly recommend Tracey if you’re struggling with health issues, pain, or if you just need an amazing hand and foot massage. She is a gifted healer and a beautiful human being.

I’ve almost finished a 90 day wellness program with Tracey, and I feel much healthier and have lost 15 pounds. Tracey is extremely well-trained and knowledgeable, she generously shares her time and resources. Her program is tailored specifically to each individual and she listens carefully. Tracey shares so many articles and links to read about scientific studies to increase her clients understanding and engagement. I highly recommend working with her and plan to continue for another 90 days.

Tracey is very helpful, professional and listens well to address the problems you have while really making you feel relaxed. The more sessions I have the better I feel and her work space is very comfortable and inviting. I am very glad my friend suggested I schedule an appointment.

I just finished the 90-day Holistic Wellness Program with Tracey remotely. It was easy to meet each week via Zoom. I had several health goals and met all of them after 90 days! I plan to continue to work with Tracey in her maintenance program. Tracey shares her herbal and holistic nutrition knowledge to help guide your wellness journey. I learned so much from her coaching sessions and her robust online portal with various health topics. The knowledge I have gained is just the tip of the iceberg, but I feel this knowledge will be helpful throughout my lifetime. I have also learned so much that I can pass on to my children for their health. I highly recommend working with Tracey. She is wonderful to work with and very knowledgeable.

I found Spirit of the Bear through doing an internet search for reflexologists in my area. I feel so fortunate to have come across this wonderful woman and her outstanding professionalism and expertise with reflexology. I have struggled with sciatica on and off throughout my life and for the last 6 months it has been continual and very painful. After one session with Tracey I am in MUCH less pain and discomfort and feel that I have found a treatment avenue that will alleviate my issue.

Always a great experience. The environment is friendly and serene. I always leave feeling refreshed. The foot pain and other discomfort has improved considerably. I look forward to each appointment. Recommend Tracey to everyone I see that tells me of health issues.

I am a big fan of integrative therapies and how they can complement standard western medicine. Some work better for me than others. Had a great first-time experience with Tracey yielding positive results. Tracey’s approach is so inclusive and welcoming. I left the studio feeling calm and relaxed and have noticed this has carried over into the rest of my week. I am very hopeful that reflexology with Tracey will be a game-changer for me!

I highly recommend Tracey’s wellness program. She is very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. After going through her program, my headaches have decreased, allergies are better and my feet pain is much less. Also, I recommend Tracey’s reflexology. They are very calming, relaxing and healing.

My wife has been participating in a wellness program at Spirit of the Bear. The results have been unbelievable. Tracey has done so much for my wife. Her pain is at a steady one after averaging a 7 to 8 daily. If you are looking to an alternative to the status quo, we highly recommend visiting Tracey at Spirit of the Bear.

I had intense heel pain. After 2 sessions I could walk normal again. The pain and discomfort has diminished unbelievably. I am so thankful. Tracey is very patient and kind. If you haven’t used her services you should.

My first visit to Spirit of the Bear was everything I expected. The atmosphere is inviting and relaxing. I was offered a cup of delicious tea upon arrival (it was a cold day). I felt as though in the living room of a trusted friend. The reflexology itself was thoroughly explained prior to receiving the treatment and lived up to my expectation of a thoroughly relaxing hour…shared with Tracey’s lovable “assistant” Molly. Thanks Tracey for a top notch experience. I can highly recommend Tracey, Molly and Spirit of the Bear if you are looking for a pleasant experience. Subsequent to my first post, I have been privileged to partake in holistic services provided through Tracey’s guidance. I’m am happy to say that my initial reason for seeking Tracey’s help has improved drastically. Tracey has been patient and very supportive and I highly recommend a consult if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medicine.

Tracey does an amazing job. She is kind and very knowledgeable. She was happy to explain the benefits of reflexology. She is enthusiastic about teaching and helping others. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait for my next appointment. I would recommend her to anyone.

Tracey is very kind, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable. She is extremely nice and professional. I was unsure of reflexology and after the first visit I felt extremely comfortable.

Tracey is very kind. The atmosphere is very relaxing. I’ve just had my first visit and am looking forward to future treatments. I hope to see results in a few weeks.

Excellent! What an amazing session! Everyone needs to experience reflexology! Tracey you are the best!! The whole experience is relaxing. The ambiance, sensation and results. I can hardly wait for my next session!

Tracey was AWESOME! I so enjoyed my reflexology session that I fell asleep. I felt great afterwards and totally relaxed. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to pamper themselves!

Tracey is very caring and compassionate. She is highly skilled at honing in on what her clients need most in order to become more healthy and better balanced. She has helped me tremendously in the past few weeks!

Very Flexible. I had to be at another appointment which reduced my reflexology appointment, but that was no problem here. The session was fantastic as usual, taking care of my needs and was at my next appointment right on time.

Absolutely wonderful place. Tracey is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and she is great at what she does. I’d never tried reflexology before and she did an amazing job explaining everything and made me feel very comfortable. Can’t wait for my next appointment!

Tracey was AWESOME! I so enjoyed my reflexology session that I fell asleep. I felt great afterwards and totally relaxed. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to pamper themselves!

This was my first experience going to see a reflexologist I went in with some issue I had suffered for years and was tired of feeling sick and hurting all the time Tracey was a blessing for me I talked to her about some of my issues and she did the rest very gentle yet effective I left feeling like a knew woman I am from out of town I have been there twice and second time felt even better Tracey cares about her clients and truly helps with aches and pains Thank you Tracey for everything.

This was a wonderful experience with a skilled and sensitive lady. I will return due to the great health benefit I experienced. I highly recommend this professional.

I had my first reflexology appointment yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. I have had many massages in the past but none of them have helped with my pain the way reflexology did. Tracey is extremely professional and kind, and she went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and relaxed. I look forward to returning and making reflexology a staple in my pain and stress management.

Tracey is so nice. She’s a great listener, I never feel like a bother. I went through the initial consult and 3 months of weekly meetings, and it was wonderful. I went in with some specific health issues, including some swelling that was concerning and I’m so pleased that she helped me with those 100% naturally. I came back to her with new bloodwork and she’s helping me conquer the next thing. It’s not easy, but she is so supportive, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. I appreciate her so very much.

I suffer with severe pain in my neck and back due to a horse accident many years ago, and I also tend to get bronchitis and I have asthma. Having Covid just a few months ago, I told Tracey some of the things I was battling. She gave gave me a WONDERFUL, relaxing foot and hand massage, and I felt so much better! I am three days out and my lungs are completely clear and my neck pain has been reduced. I plan to get reflexology on a regular basis to maintain my health.

I decided to try a reflexology session a few weeks ago with Tracey on a whim and I am so glad I did! I was new to reflexology but have been on a wellness and stress reduction journey for a while so was excited to try it. It was an amazing experience so relaxing and rejuvenating, it felt like the best massage but better just knowing it has so many benefits for your body. Tracey is kind, calm and has a very healing presence and it’s nice to have Molly relaxing with you. I will be back soon, it could easily turn into an essential part of my routine. Thanks Tracey!

My experience was fantastic. Tracey was professional and so kind. I found a significant improvement in my pain after just one treatment. I rebooked immediately. Definitely recommend.

I was a little hesitant to make an appointment. Seemed impossible that rubbing my hands and feet could make a difference. Well…. it did! There is a chart on the wall that explains the connections. After the first visit I was sleeping thru the night. I don’t think I felt as sad. Not only did I make one appointment.. I made 4…(more I’m sure) Tracey is such a blessing. I thank God for putting her in my life. I have signed up for her Wellness program. I have issues that I would like to head off. It’s going to be an adventure. Thank you, Tracey.

It’s a very warm and inviting space. I had never tried reflexology before and I was unsure what to expect. It was lovely. Very professional, yet cozy as well. More importantly, I got results. I have gone twice for emotional support for grief and loss and each time I come out of my funk. I would and have highly recommended Tracy for reflexology.

My wife got me an appointment with Tracey, and I had to go. The experience was very relaxing, and I’m sure Tracey must have fixed something in my old body. I look forward to a return visit next time I am in Cheyenne. Thanks, Tracey.

After my reflexology treatment, my feet felt so much better, and my walking improved since my feet didn’t hurt like they did before the treatment. I am going to try weekly reflexology treatments, and see if that helps even more!

If you haven’t tried Reflexology with Tracey yet, you should! I started a year ago with numbness in my hands from a pinched nerve in my neck and pain going down my leg with pain in my knee. Been for x-rays and CT scans, with nothing helping me. Really effecting my ability to do things. Reflexology has been the solution for me!!! Tracey is very professional and really cares. Not to mention her sessions are so very relaxing, a very “Zen” place to visit!!! I look forward to my every other week appointments with Tracey and her dog Molly!

Tracey is my angel! I got her name from a friend who knew I was having some health issues. I was diagnosed with RA and very sick on the medicine the doctors prescribed. I started my quest for health not knowing if it would work or not. 90 days into my work with Tracey, I was off all medicines, some I had been on for 20 years. I was virtually pain free and my lab results showed dramatic decrease in inflammation and others!!! It works. I continue my work with Tracey. I have a long way to go but it’s the first time in my life I can remember being pain free!!!!

Tracey is so nice. She’s a great listener, I never feel like a bother. She is knowledgeable and helpful. In just a few weeks of working with her I’m already seeing some results. I know it’s a long road but I’m excited about what I’m seeing already.

Tracey made my first visit sooo welcoming! Love the atmosphere, calming. I left there very relaxed and have already made my next appointment! Can’t wait!

The Reflexology treatment was out of this world. I was so relaxed and the atmosphere was comfortable and felt very safe. I would recommend a visit to anyone who wants to relax, treat themselves, or for consistent general health benefits.

I was a little skeptical at first. My daughter in law said “Tracey is totally amazing ” I have gone twice. I am sleeping thru the night (such a blessing) I don’t seem to be so sad. Tracey is now helping with the pain in my hands. So thankful for her gentle kind spirit!

My 1st visit ever to a reflexologist. Amazing experience. Cannot wait for my next appointment. Peaceful, charming atmosphere…I had to begin taking insulin in early October for diabetes. Starting the day after my 1st visit, my a.m. sugar has been in the normal range. 

Tracey is amazing. After just 3 appointments, my plantar fasciitis – which has been debilitating for a year and a half – is gone. I have tested out standing, walking for long periods of time, and my foot remains pain free. I also have had lifelong migraines that worsened over the years. After seeing Tracey for 3 weeks, they have been reduced by 75%. I had no idea how such an enjoyable appointment could be so life changing. Tracey has restored so much through her work with me. Prior to seeing her, I had tried many other options, none of which made any real difference. I waited purposefully to leave a review, taking time to track my symptoms carefully, and can say completely objectively that Tracey’s work produces astounding results. Highly recommend using Tracey for ANY issues you may be having!!!!

It’s a very warm and inviting space. I had never tried reflexology before and I was unsure what to expect. It was lovely. Very professional, yet cozy as well. More importantly, I got results. I have gone twice for emotional support for grief and loss and each time I come out of my funk. I would and have highly recommended Tracey for reflexology.

Tracey is amazing. She is knowledgeable and gifted in her craft. Her office is relaxing and has such good energy. I have benefited from Reflexology appointments and look forward to starting her wellness program.

What a wonderful experience for my first time trying reflexology. Tracey is highly skilled, kind, and comfortable to be around. I was able to notice a difference after my first session!

Outstanding service. Tracey is caring, empathetic, nurturing and professional. Centrally located with good parking. Our visit eased the physical pain I live with day to day due to a neck injury. I will be back.

My experience was fantastic. Tracey was professional and so kind. I found a significant improvement in my pain after just one treatment. I rebooked immediately. Definitely recommend.

Tracey has a wonderful place, very nice and relaxing. Her services are amazing and really helped me with some pain I was having in my feet and hands. I highly recommend her!

Update – I have been seeing Tracey for a year. A year ago I had a ton of pain and couldn’t eat any food without getting sick, my lupus was destroying my ability to enjoy life. Today I dont have any pain, I am able to eat food and not get sick. My quality of life has drastically changed. She has also helped my son who was failing to thrive at 1 yr old. He is now growing is happy and healthy and is making so much progress. I definitely recommend her she is great!

Tracey is fantastic. I would recommend the reflexology experience to everyone. Relaxing environment, very professional. Molly is an added benefit that comes with a great experience.

Tracey is amazing and the atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming. I sprained my arm in the past, and with my job I require the use of my wrists on a daily basis. Reflexology has helped me maintain my injury, and give me relief from my pain that I had once experienced prior to seeing Tracey. I’m so thankful I tried reflexology, and it has completely changed my life since the past 1.5 years of seeing her.

I have had several follow up appointments now and have started with the herbal supplements. I highly recommend Tracey’s services. I’ve started implementing the wellness plan we developed and am already seeing results. If you’re looking for a way to change your life for the better Tracey is the perfect person to guide you!

I had a session with Spirit of the Bear – Empowering Wellness and it was excellent. Not only did we work on my personal issues impeding my own healing, but the reflexology helped my body recover from the damages done over time. Thank you for the help and encouragement.

Loved it. Tracey is amazing at what she does. The reflexology feels amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try it. Tracey not only knows what she is doing but she’s super nice and easy to talk to.

What an amazing experience! Tracey is an extraordinary person – love what she does with her soothing hands. My feet and hands now feel really good again! I had 3 sessions and will go for more. She really does make for ‘HAPPY FEET’!

Tracey was an amazing facilitator. Very calming and listens to you Gives you her full attention and is VERY qualified. I would highly recommend her services!

AMAZING! – Tracey is an amazing reflexologist.  I’ve been going to her nearly every week for two years now.  I hate when I have to miss a week.  The results I see and feel are amazing.

Great experience – I’ve tried several places around town that claimed they do reflexology.  However, when I went in, all they did was do a terrible job at just rubbing my feet, no skills involved.  But Tracey is the real deal.  I told her my problem, and she knew the exact spots to give attention to.  I’ll definitely be going back, and I recommend her to everyone.

Relaxing new experience – I didn’t know what to expect when my family gave me a gift certificate for a reflexology treatment.  It was a very relaxing session and fits in well with my acupuncture regimen.  It helped my indigestion and sore back also.  I would recommend it to everyone.

Very relaxing – Reflexology is helpful and relaxing.  Been going to Spirit of the Bear two years now.  Definitely has helped varicose veins and knee pain.

Amazing! – I purchased a gift certificate as a part of an auction basket and wasn’t sure what to expect.  Tracey explained the benefits, and we talked about some areas to focus on.  I felt very comfortable throughout the process, and it was an extremely relaxing experience.

#Listen – #1 priority is to listen, and you’ll find that’s what happens here.  – I believe I’ve found a partner who will help because she listens.

Incredibly helpful – I walked in for my session feeling incredibly stressed and walked out relaxed and feeling great.  Tracey is very knowledgeable, professional, and caring.  Thank you!

Loved my session! – I walk out of Tracey’s office on a cloud.  I see her for a foot pain issue, and she makes the pain go away in my foot and makes both my legs “feel like new.”  The sessions are always very relaxing and restorative.

Tracey is outstanding – If you’re looking for an alternative way to relieve stress and truly decompress, book with her, and you won’t be disappointed.  Reflexology is a talent and a gift – Tracey has both.

Reflexology is the best – Tracey is the best reflexologist.  She’s extremely knowledgeable and takes great care to listen to the issues that are going on and pays special attention to those areas.   I highly recommend Tracey and Spirit of the Bear for your first/next reflexology session

Tracey is a wonderful reflexologist and person.  She’s very sensitive to my body’s special needs and sensitivities.  As a result, we’ve seen huge improvement in the issues I’ve been seeing her for.  I highly recommend Tracey at Spirit of the Bear.  Call her today!

Great experience – I can feel myself getting better from the chronic fatigue and pain.  I am encouraged with the progress.  This is a great investment in myself.

Feeling younger – Wow!  Finally, someone who listens!  Less fatigued after a few weeks!  Female hormones (initial reason for visit) are regulated.   Minor miracle at 47.  I’ve had a benign tumor on my adrenal gland that has been causing high blood pressure and low potassium for 13 years.  Doctor has cut blood pressure meds in half in just a month.  Looking forward to the CAT scan.

Hope in sight – As a teen with Hashimoto’s I didn’t realize just how badly I felt till I started on Tracey’s protocol.  I feel like I am starting to crawl out of a pit.  Have felt more energy, sleeping better, and overall pain level is down.

Truly Outstanding – since my arm injury, seeing Tracey has made my quality of life so much better.  Seeking a career that requires the use of my hands and wrists, I was very worried about my ability to continue my schooling, but Tracey has been able to work with me and finally I no longer live with a painful ‘knot’ feeling from my sprain anymore.  Seeing her is the highlight of my week, and I truly don’t know what I would do without her and reflexology.  If anyone has an injury pain, please give this practice a try!

Getting healthy – When I first started I was depressed, having horrible hot flashes and sugar cravings.  After about 30 days, mild to no hot flashes, sleeping 8+ hours of sleep, have more energy and no more sugar cravings.  I feel like I got a new lease on life.

Feeling great!  –  I recently had a nutritional consultation with Tracey.  She is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to and so caring and detailed about individual needs.  I felt very comfortable discussing my symptoms and also some alternative diet and nutritional plans.  I followed her advice and am now on a daily regime of what she has suggested to best suit the needs of my body.  I’m feeling great so far and can’t wait to see how it goes from here!  Thanks so much, Tracey!  You’re wonderful!

Limiting what you eat doesn’t work.  Forget dieting and counting calories.  Learn the strategies that’ll help you lose weight without even trying.  Feel energetic, healthy, (and most important), feel good about yourself.

There was a moment in 1995, when I had been so gravely ill from lupus and in severe pain with no relief for months, when I made a choice that forever changed the course of my life.

With all my heart and soul I decided that even though I had no idea at that moment how I would make it happen, I would heal myself from lupus and make a full recovery for the sake of my two young sons.

I found holistic practitioners who each walked beside me for a part of the journey. And even though no one else could do my healing work for me, they were there to guide me and support me.

One of the healers I saw back then was a Native American shaman woman who told me, “You need to call your spirit back.” Her words have stayed with me over the years and have continued to have deeper meaning.

I wanted to know how to heal myself, so I began to study with great teachers and mentors who taught me their plant medicine, holistic nutrition, reflexology, and emotional well-being techniques, and I am forever grateful for the wisdom that they shared with me.

As I studied herbalism, I learned that in many indigenous cultures around the world and throughout the ages, they have had a tradition that Bear is the totem animal or spirit animal for the healer, especially for those who work with plant medicine.

One of my mentors and I spent many happy hours in the mountains around Elk Mountain, WY as she taught me her Bear medicine and introduced me to her plant friends like Osha. We even had a close call with a bear near a huckleberry patch one day.

My healing journey became my greatest growth opportunity. Lupus (and the other autoimmune conditions I was diagnosed with) and other life challenges seemed so devastating at the time, but those journeys through the wilderness were a gift.

I was delighted to learn that the “kiai” in martial arts – the short, loud sound that helps you focus your power when you strike – means “the sound of my spirit.” Every time I make that kiai sound, I feel happy as I think, “I have called my spirit back! Do you hear the sound of my spirit!”

And now I have the extraordinary privilege and honor to be one of the holistic practitioners who walks beside others for a season as they forge along on their healing journeys, too.

And I support them in the ways that they ask me to so they can be empowered to take control of their health and well-being, always reminding them of their light and their strengths which are already there.

And some day, they will sit with someone going through difficult times when change seems hard, and they will say, “I have been there. And I remembered my strengths and my light, and I see your strengths and your light, too. And I will be right here beside you during this part of your journey……..”

There will be times when standing alone feels too hard, too scary, and we’ll doubt our ability to make our way through the uncertainty. Someone somewhere will say, “Don’t do it, you don’t have what it takes to survive the wilderness.” This is where you reach deep in your wild heart and say, “I AM THE WILDERNESS.” – Brené Brown from her book Braving the Wilderness

Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Acknowledgement is critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.

With that, we acknowledge that Spirit of the Bear LLC occupies the ancestral and traditional lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and Shoshone Indigenous peoples along with other Native tribes who call the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain region home. We wish to respectfully acknowledge their stewardship of the this land throughout the generations and pay our respects to their elders past and present. We recognize, support, and advocate alongside Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now and with those forcibly removed from their Homelands.

(crafted with the assistance of Dr. Caskey Russell, the University of Wyoming Native American Education, Research, and Cultural Center, the ASUW Senate, and the US Department of Arts and Culture – usdac.us/nativeland)