she has experienced waves of ups and downs over the last few years and her choice of the bear speaks towards her reliance of it all. the bear will have long periods of sleep, which can be equated to an introspective or resting state, but will emerge driven to sustain its life. patient and calm unless jolted into the need to protect oneself or those she cares about, the bear stands for what is important. channeling her inner bear she is able to find her strength and as she removed the mask I saw her there - strong, driven to thrive and ever so nurturing.