RC: I haven't really connected with any of them. I think the biggest issue I have is being my age, with some people that are younger. There's a lot of chatter. Especially on a website I frequent where animal players gather, I've heard stories of older people being predatory and grooming younger individuals. It's something that prevents me from wanting to make contact. I don't want people to feel like there's this creepy old man out there. I mean, I know I'm not "old," but that's how younger guys in their twenties feel.

PW: How about reaching out to a pup pack? Bears and cubs would get along just fine. And I'm sure you'd be welcome. I mean, there is that "Papa Bear" thing going in your favor!

RC: Woof!

PW: See?! So, what kind of advice would you give to a new bear or cub coming up in the world?

PW: We were discussing headspace and creating your environment. What kind of stuff do you do to prepare?

RC: I like to use a visualization where I climb a mountain and enter my cave. I live alone, so I'm lucky. I've got a little two-bedroom apartment that I like to walk around. The cats look at me funny, but they're getting used to it.

PW: Well, they're cats. You live with a bear. Get over it, kitty!

RC: Exactly. I wear some furry bear slippers and paw hand guards that attach to the wrist. They allow me to have my hands out, so they're not like the pups like that. I can have claws. I like to fill a bucket with water in the shower, throw some fish in, and go fishing, bear style. It really helps me get into the headspace.

PW: So you go in pretty deep.

RC: I set an alarm to give myself time to come out of it. So I'm not awakening in that human space thinking, oh my god! What time is it? Is it too late? I gotta go to bed! But with the alarm, I leave myself the mental space to sort of reverse my process, emerge from the cave, and separate again. I'll just sit there and pull myself gently apart. It is interesting. In the very beginning, I had those intrusive thoughts that while I was in that bear space, I was being silly and a bit stupid. But now, I tell you, once I get back into my human self, I open the mental backpack, dump everything into the stream, and let the dream just fade.

PW: That sounds awesome. Have you found other bears out there?

RC: Have fun with it, like anything in life. Don't take it too seriously. You don't need the gear. Something as simple as a ring, a bracelet or necklace can help you get into your own headpace. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It can be a cheap $2 shop item. A little cap that you put on with an embroidered bear on it.

PW: Great advice.

RC: I have a Spotify playlist with bear sounds and music that helps me find my bear self. My cave is an inexpensive beach tent set up in my house. I don't even have to put my hood on. I can just curl up in the den and I'm there. It's a nice little dark spot where I feel safe. Find your way to connect to your chosen animal. Find what works for you.