Here at Earthrise Retreat Center, the deer are omnipresent and unafraid. At almost any time of day, three to seven deer are nearby–curled under the trees, or alternately nibbling and yanking hanks of grass. The bucks have come out–and are interested the girls–but the girls aren’t ready yet.

This early morning in the dining room as I sipped coffee, three deer were frolicking on the hillside outside the large windows. I think they were a doe and her two fawns, although their spots have faded. They were leaping, chasing, sprinting, dancing with each other–the very manifestation of freedom. They were “freeing,” their small hooves barely touching the ground, a beautiful reflection of the teaching I am imbibing this week.

© Skye Blaine, 2011