Wolf & Bear

The Wolfpack... 

The new brotherhood initiated by Jeremy Thiel and formed by the men of CrossFit Central to become the most cutthroat, dialed-in and awe-inspiring force in our region. We all have shortcomings... as sons, brothers, boyfriends, coaches, trainers, friends, leaders, managers and individuals. We must take ownership of these shortcomings. By taking ownership, we quite literally OWN them. Once we own them, we may do whatever we want with them. We then regain our integrity and COMMIT to our future.

When I say shortcomings, I don't mean failures. We are not failing. We are doing good. But GOOD is not GOOD ENOUGH. I know myself and I know my potential. Why am I playing so small? Why am I living so small? Why am I not living an extraordinary life -- one that I design and create and love? Why am I not going above and beyond to make an IMPACT on the world? The time is now...

As soon as Jeremy mentioned Wolfpack yesterday, it immediately resonated with me. Ever since I was a small child, I have been infatuated with Native American heritage and lore. On our family trips to Colorado and New Mexico, I would pick up and read as many Native American books as I could get my hands on. Many had stories of the history of the native peoples of our land, and almost all included allegories with animals and their spiritual traits.

For as long as I can remember, I have always felt connected to and associated with the wolf and the bear - two very powerful Native American symbols. The below descriptions of these two majestic and complex animals resonates deep within me, for they are my animal spirits. I am half wolf, half bear.

Wolf Symbolism

The Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. The wolf is a very social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts. The wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding. Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include:

Intelligence

Cunning

Communication

Friendliness

Loyalty

Generosity

Compassionate

Perseverance

Success

Intuition

Family

Spirit

Bear Symbolism

As a Native American symbol, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind; and grander than its mass. To match that magnitude is the quality of unpredictability in the bear. A massive animal who forages seemingly peacefully in the woods on berries and bush. When provoked in certain ways, the First Peoples witnessed a ferocity expressed from the bear that (understandably) could elicit terror.

Because of this potentially furious storm brewing just under the surface of bears spirit, our native forebears were extremely cautious and respectful of this animal. Even tribes inclined to peace honored the spirit of a warrior, and witnessing the bear seemed to embody that kind of blind, powerful surge of courage and strength that every warrior is want to tap into.

A quick list of keywords summoned by the tribal mind:

Protection

Freedom

Discernment

Courage

Power

Unpredictable

Industrious

Instinctive 

Watcher 

Will power

Introspection

Great strength

Above attributes taken from: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems2.html