Fuzzy Tales

Fuzzy Tales

DEER… THEY MAKE MY DAY
by Patty

When we repeatedly come across certain animals in our lives it can be an indication that they are put on our path to give us messages about what we need to focus on in our personal healing at that moment in time. On my own spiritual journey, I understand animals as totems and the messages they can bring if you believe.

One morning in the middle of my divorce, I drove in to work, which is in a forest preserve setting complete with a herd of about forty white fallow deer that roam freely. I was feeling downhearted and dismayed about my circumstances. I remember tears welling up in my eyes that morning after an emotional evening the night before. All of a sudden ten or twelve deer sprinted in front of my car, causing me to stop and hold my breath with my eyes wide open in amazement, as my heart pounded from the excitement!

This was the beginning of my sincere appreciation of these rare, majestic animals that are a common sight where I work, and I took it as a sign for me personally. When I got to my desk, I looked up exactly what messages deer bring…

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“When deer show up in your life it’s time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? When deer show up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.”

* * *

“Know when to walk away. It’s time for compassion and forgiveness. Learn to trust more. Cultivate new friends and ideas. Don’t be afraid to cry. Nurture yourself and take time to heal. Walk more and increase activity. Spend more time outdoors. Dance and be joyful.”

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Yes, these were messages I needed to hear. What perfect timing this was! This coupled with my desire to live a spiritual life was fundamental in getting me to the wonderful place I currently am in my life.

Recently, as I was walking a trail during my lunch hour, I was startled as one came out of the woods, looked right at me, then galloped across only a couple of feet behind me. I felt so connected to him that I wanted to have a conversation. I know I said something like, “well, hello, there and thank you for coming out to meet me.”

On another lunch time walk, I stopped my car while one dashed across the road, briefly halted, and looked right at me through the windshield. Again, I said something like, “thank you for showing up today, you made my day!”

There have been numerous mornings (too many to mention) when I have driven in to work and passed six or eight grazing in the early morning coolness. I take every one of these sightings personally and always try to relate it to something that is happening in my life currently or about to happen in the next few days or so.

This past summer I was privileged to see, for the first time since I’ve worked here, baby fawn frolicking with their parents as I drove onsite in the early morning hours before the majority of employees arrived. They were out enjoying the cool crispness of the morning munching on the newly mowed grass.

I know the majority of employees here see these animals as well, but not in the same way I do. I wish I could share my appreciation of the messages and guidance they can provide us, which we can all use to help create the tranquil life we seek.

This not only pertains to the deer, but to all of God’s creatures and nature’s abundance of free inspiration and motivation which speaks to us on a daily basis… Whether it be the fall colors of the leaves on trees, or a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a fluttering butterfly, the glistening of a lake on a sunny day, pretty roadside wildflowers, clear blue skies, the chirping of birds, a gentle breeze coming through the window as you sleep, a star-filled summer sky, the smell of freshly cut grass, rainbows, snowcapped mountains, soaring eagles, or the scent of lilacs and cherry blossoms . . .

Open your eyes and your heart to experience all of these free gifts. It will make your day too!