I walked down the stairs into our backyard and there, to my right, was a moose feasting on a young oak. Whenever I see a moose, I feel both elated and humbled. They look me in the eye and then choose to ignore me. They do not turn. They do not run. They do not respond. I am not a threat. I am privileged simply to witness them.
But today was different.
This moose–a young bull I’d never seen before–took a few steps towards me.
Nervousness rose up from my belly.
Move.
Calm radiated from my chest.
Stay.
The moose slowly advanced, and I could feel that he was experience the same duality: nervous yet calm.
I steadied my breath, grounding myself in openness, embodying safety. Extending an invitation to meet his curiosity with love.
He stepped into that energy, one awkward, clunky stride at a time. Halfway to me, he lowered his head slightly–one eye fixed on me, the other tucked away–and licked his lips, washing away the fear that threatened to pull him bacl.
I extended my arm, patience rippling through my fingertips.
The question in my mind tried to push in. Is this safe? Will he charge? But I asked them to wait on the sidelines. This was our moment. A beautiful, dangerous creature was offering himself to me, and I would not turn away.
When he finally reached me, his eyes glistened, softened with light. His nose touched my hand. He inhaled, listening for a cue to leave. Instead, he took another deep breath of my scene, tickling my skin with his whiskers, and then ambled off to continue his meal.
In that instant, I had touched divinity. We both stepped into the unknown with hesitation and trust. I had exchanged energy with an extension of myself–a moment that reached into the deepest part of my soul.
With gratitude, I thank him for gifting me this memory. I am honored to be a part of his story.
