The Deer in the Woods: A Quiet Encounter Beyond the Veil

There are moments in this work; quiet, fleeting moments, that remind me how much more there is to this life when we slow down and listen.

On a recent house sit, nestled in a home surrounded by woodland, I arrived with an open heart and a quiet mind. I took time to settle, to ground myself, and to simply be in the space. Almost immediately, I felt a presence in the woods; subtle yet strong. 

In my mind’s eye, I saw a deer. Still, watchful, serene. I couldn’t see it with my physical eyes, and yet I knew it was there… I didn’t seek to find it. I didn’t question the feeling. I simply stayed present with it; a silent thread of connection woven between us.

Throughout my stay, I moved gently through the rhythm of the days, attuned to the land, to the dog I was caring for, and to the deep stillness that surrounded it all. And then, on my final day; as if in quiet affirmation,  the deer revealed itself.

It was exactly as I had seen it in my vision. Same presence. Same soulful eyes. It stood without fear, offering a brief but powerful moment of communion. A mutual recognition, before running off.

But the magic didn’t stop there.

I also shared a beautiful connection with the dog I was caring for. Our bond deepened with each day, and as we moved through our quiet routine together, I began communicating with her through images; a form of telepathic communication that I often use with animals.

One day, I wanted to prepare her for visitors, so I gently sent her an image of the people arriving so she knew to expect people. Later, as my stay was coming to a close, I sat beside her while she lay on the floor. I quietly sent her an image of myself leaving the house, suitcase in hand; letting her know I would be going the next day.

She immediately lifted her head and looked at me. Then she stood, walked over, and rubbed her face gently against me. There was sadness in her eyes, and in that moment, I knew she understood.

It’s such a beautiful, humbling thing to witness how animals respond when we simply take the time to keep them informed. To acknowledge them, and to invite them into the experience rather than leaving them in the dark. They feel everything. And when we meet them where they are;  through presence, 

energy, and trust; they open in the most extraordinary ways.

This is the heart of my work: helping others rediscover this deep presence. Because when we meet animals from this place; not trying to fix, change, or manage them, but truly meet them, then trust begins to grow. And from trust, so much transformation is possible.

The deer reminded me that connection doesn’t require any special effort. It simply asks that we show up; open, quiet, and willing to feel.

And the dog reminded me that when we treat animals as the wise, sensitive beings they are, we create bonds that go beyond words; bonds rooted in mutual respect, love, and understanding.

Next time you spend time with an animal, try slowing down and sending a gentle image from your heart. You might be surprised by how deeply they understand.