Morning Has Its Highs and Lows

Last night I had trouble falling asleep - I finally came downstairs and drank some milk - but didn't actually get to sleep until after 4 am.

When the alarm started going off at 7 am, I kept pressing the "snooze" button - an hour-and-a-half later, I dragged myself downstairs and made some coffee. The sunlight streaming through the yellow leaves in the back of the yard filled the air with a warm, golden light. As I stood at the kitchen sink I looked out the window and, oh Oh OH what do I see but a young deer in my neighbor's yard walking towards our house!

As he came closer, I turned to go look for the camera, but realized my cell phone was in my pocket (it doubles as my alarm clock) so I quickly turned it on and got a quick shot through the window. He nibbled here and there, but finally chose to walk to the back where the trees are thicker and, as he stood back there making this decision, I took another quick photo through yet another window.

Just last night, my brother told me he saw a young black bear walking up the driveway as he was out on the front porch with a friend. Here are these magnificent creatures - how beautiful, how innocent, how brave and pure of heart to walk right into danger to delight our senses and to remind us that they are part of our lives just as we are a part of their wild world and we must find ways to share both.


But my serenity was shattered when, a few minutes later I heard the sound of TWO chain-saws. Yes, the dreaded "yard monkeys" were busily trimming the evergreen bushes underneath the front windows; this is before nine in the morning, but no matter. I loathe these people, although I know they are only doing what the landlord has asked them to do. For some reason, however, I wasn't as furious as I usually am when they pull this kind of stunt. Still...

The quiet reverie from my experience with nature had evaporated; The muscles in my forehead and eyebrows were knitted together as the noise droned on - there was no escaping it. Then, just as suddenly, they were gone. Quiet returned and I decided to reclaim some of my joy by having my coffee and writing this blog.

DEER:
Deer's medicine includes gentleness in word, thought and touch. The ability to listen, grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance. Understanding of what's necessary for survival, power of gratitude and giving, ability to sacrifice for the higher good, connection to the woodland goddess, alternative paths to a goal.

By observing the ways in which deer behave, it is possible to see what amazing qualities - or powers - they possess. From the deer we can learn that the gift of gentleness and caring can help us overcome and put aside many testing situations. Only love, both for ourselves and for others, helps us understand the true meaning of wholeness.

(Source:   http://www.shamanicjourney.com  )


And so, I learn to not judge others too harshly or be overruled by my strong emotions, thanks to a hungry, young deer walking through my yard on a chilly October morning.