"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us." ~ Black Elk, Sioux Holyman


I was fortunate to stumble upon this young bull elk foraging on the edge of forest, upon old apple trees long since planted by ranchers in this area's early days. Having many long moments with this elk, I began to feel connected to him; not just the experience of him and being present to the moment, but connected with the beast itself -- and the Great Spirit within us.

Photographed near Workman Creek, of the Tonto National Forest, Arizona.