No matter how often I encounter a deer in its natural habitat I experience it as a spiritual moment, and this particular morning was especially so. I was camping at Lac Philippe this week and was up early hoping to see the sunrise and instead encountered this beautiful creature on the grass next to the beach and felt breathless at the sight. He wandered around slowly as if he owned the beach and was so gracious about my presence, every now and then looking directly into my eyes and then carrying on with the business of the day, eating. It was such a gift to me to be allowed to be in his presence and experience his grace, calmness, and sense of purpose. I learned so much about its carriage, the way it walks (like a ballerina!) and its perseverance. While the sky was clear the sunrise was nothing special, but I’m thinking that even if it had been I wouldn’t have even noticed. A breathless start to a day.
