ABSTRACT
Each year I conduct a spiritual retreat for students at the field station at Pigeon Lake, Wisconsin. Built by the Civilian Conservation Carps, the facility is located in the middle of the Chequamegon National Forest. The retreat provides students with a weekend experience structured for self reflection using meditation, yoga, journaling; art and music activities, and small-group discussions. The retreat is held at the beginning of each summer. At the start of the retreat 4 years ago, we were meditating in a small circle under the large pine trees just outside of the dining hall. Eyes closed and following our breath, the group relaxed into the quiet of our surroundings. After about 10 minutes of silence, there was a large gasp from one of the students. We opened our eyes and standing in the very center of our group was a deer and her fawn. It was an extraordinary moment for us and I imagine for the deer. The two of them stood among us for several minutes as we sat in awe of the wonder we were witnessing. Then she and the fawn walked about 200feet to one of the old wooden classrooms, which has a gentle sloping ramp that runs parallel to the building leading to the front door. Between the ramp and the building there is a small, narrow space. The mother led herfawn into the space and then left the camp. For two days, the young deer lay in that space. We checked her frequently each day and worried about her safety, yet we respected her space and kept our distance. This event framed the weekend for us throughout most of our activities. As our retreat was ending Sunday afternoon, we thought about calling the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that the deer would be cared for, but the call was not necessary. Just before the retreat ended, the mother returned, gathered her fawn, and the two of them headed into the forest.
