For most of my adult life, I’ve followed the path of a photographer and photojournalist.

So much so that it seeped into my being and became a part of my identity.

NEVER did I see myself EVER setting down the camera to walk into another field of work … let alone one I set aside three decades ago.

But I did just that.

Walking with a sacred Pipe … prayer or ceremonial … changes you.

For me, the Malstrom Pipe has helped heal me in ways I never would have never thought to even think about.

Literally, from the day the Malstrom Pipe came into my life, I’ve been on a ride that has completely reshaped me.

Quite possibly this is why the Malstrom Pipe walks with me in this moment.

Looking out on the spiritual landscape, I often perceive the currents which often are or have been literally like a sea of chaos.

And I’ve been learning to navigate those chaotic waters.

Finding substance in the chaos that is strong enough to stand and walk along while making my way to firmer ground.

Long story short, I came to realize that as much as I love photography and journalism, my heart and spirit weren’t resonating with it quite as it once did.

The Pipe was calling me towards a new path and out of the chaotic void strolled a big lumbering bear with long powerful claws capable of digging into earth and grounding itself and those it protects even as storms might beat against it.

The name of “The Bear Heart” came to me and more specifically, this led a friend and I down a path to where they came up with “Arthyrral” … which for me means that very thing.

I am Arthyrral Pathfinder — my spiritual name. Or … “The Bear Heart Pathfinder”.

The bear is a guardian spirit …. a protector.

And through starting to work with the Great Bear via the Pipe, I realized it was time to dust off my initial schooling and original “professional” career.

It was a career that had me working in group homes and residential with the Developmentally Disabled, Autistic and Mentally Ill individuals.

And I felt quite clearly it was time to return to that field … specially working with those with mental illness and those who are autistic.

So, I was led to a new position at a local mental hospital, working direct care on one of the units.

And it has fit like a glove.

If we did not care for them, who will.

My job as a I see it is to help provide a safe environment where they can while they heal and find themselves.

THIS is a conscious decision I made, deciding to alter my path from the old to the new.

And in so doing, also honoring the legacy of my original teacher and mentor, Carolyn Means.

~ The Pathfinder