black bear of friendliness
Occasionally I have a dream that makes sense, in which all the symbols are personal, meaningful and clear. I was back in Golden on the way to the Golden house when I saw a bear near the entrance of Van Bibber. Others were nervously staying in their cars, but I knew the bear was just doing its thing so I got out and started walking (while keeping a wide berth).
The bear saw me and curiously started coming toward me. It was a young bear, adolescent, and a natural black with a whitish face. I was cautious but not afraid as the bear just seemed curious. It came up closer and I realized the best thing to do would be to give it some food so it would go on and eat and I could leave. Raspberries were the right food. I pulled them out and the bear got up and put its big paws with long claws on my shoulders, sniffing the raspberries. Something about it was clear--this bear needed friendliness.
It symbolized the need for friendliness and kindness and love. And being an adolescent bear coming out of Van Bibber, no less, this particular bear was about my teen self needed kindness from me now. A little sweetness from raspberries and being treated without fear. And then it would go on its merry, curious way.