Spirit Animals
An ongoing project about honoring the deer, whose land I've resided in for many years, and whose presence , and by much observation, has left an imprint on my heart and soul. My connection and understanding of these majestic animals was life altering, when I had an unexpected experience with one doe in particular and her fawns, which is still ongoing. This doe named "Lady", was about 14 or 15 at the time of her passing in October, 2022. I had been aware of her for years, but it was only in the beginning of Covid, when I was also in a state of grief, that her behavior towards me shifted dramatically. From that point on, Lady chose my yard as her core area and a safe haven to raise all of her fawns, for the remaining years of her life. On a regular basis, I'd just sit in my yard and Lady would come up and sniff me, then lie down near me, while her fawns slept nearby. Sometimes, I'd hear a sound by my door at night, and there she would be, just standing in the porch light . peering through the door at me. And, I'd join her in the yard, watching her look for wild plums, while her fawns were hidden. What I experienced emotionally, by their continuous presence, was a state of peace, awe and wonder. I felt as if I had entered in to a secret, mystical and mysterious world, a world and a space of healing, that is difficult to define with words. This spiritual connection with Lady, her fawns and all of the deer who I've been tracking for years, has changed me in profound ways, such as having a deeper respect for our environment and the interconnectedness of all living things. But, most of all, it's taught me that healing and hope exist within the liminal space of connecting with and observing wildlife. And, in a fast paced, media driven and plugged in world, there lies a liminal and tranquil space, that can be transformative and healing, if we're open to it. Most people do experience and tap in to this part of their sub conscious as children, but often abandon this way of thinking or seeing, in adulthood. But, I believe that people are yearning for and need such experiences that can ultimately heal the mind, body and soul. I'm beyond grateful, humbled and forever transformed, by having entered in to this divine and magical space, with the deer who choose the space around me as their home range. Their graceful presence and resilient spirits, amongst many other unique traits, have taught me valuable life lessons and continue to do, so each and every day.