This is a question that goes hand in hand with the proliferation on social media of groups known as Therians. These groups express their spirituality and their connection with nature in several ways. They connect with certain mammals. They wear masks of their preferred animal. They imitate their natural behaviors in parks and public places. Personally, I have nothing against these movements. Everyone is free to express their spirituality. They should make sure that they do not harm themselves, others, or nature.

If I have to choose an animal as my favorite, I would mention the deer as the species that draws my attention and inspires me. They are elegant, solitary, and withdrawn animals. They prefer the solitude, silence, and peace of the forest over being surrounded by other species. They are hunted by predators like humans, whom they avoid. The deer is majestic and wild; it can’t be domesticated. It likes to stay in its habitat and be left alone.

There is a vast difference between that and claiming that my spirituality is based on imitating the behavior of a deer.