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Lessons from a Dragonfly

I have always noticed dragonflies Up North.  We were overjoyed to see them scooting back and forth through the trees, as we relied on their mosquito hunting skills to keep us sane in the evenings.  They would land on the boat or our pole while we were out on the lake.
In Guatemala, a dragonfly landed on me while we were engaged in some quiet moments of concentration.  I didn't even notice it.  Later, someone mentioned it and said that I was blessed by the dragonfly.  I came home and considered them, but didn't think too hard about it.  I have never attached myself to a totem.
So it surprised me when dragonflies made another prominent appearance last summer at the cabin.  I started to see them in a new way.  I began to notice the details of their coloring and unique iridescence of their bodies.  I marveled in their little shapes and once again was reminded of the miracles of nature.  I came home and started to look up the symbol of a dragonfly and what it meant to people.  I learned that there is a very good reason that I was drawn to the dragonfly.

The dragonfly is a symbol of change and change in the perspective of self realization. "The kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life."  Their flight across water represents an act of going beyond what is on the surface and looking into the deeper aspects of life.
It is a symbol of poise and power.  Being able to execute amazing flight skills without a lot of effort and much more power than other insects.  It does this with elegance and grace.
The iridescence of it's wings and body can symbolize self discovery and removal of inhibitions.  It can be seen "as the end of one's self-created illusions and a clear vision into the realities of life."  It represents the discovery of one's own abilities by unmasking the real self and removing doubts on your sense of identity.
The dragonfly only flies for a fraction of it's life so in those short months it leaves nothing to be desired.  This exemplifies living IN the moment and living life to the fullest-no regrets.
The dragonfly uses almost all of it's brain power toward sight and can see in all directions  This is a symbol of uninhibited vision of the mind and the ability to see beyond the limitations of the human self.  It also is seen as rising from materialism to see beyond.

Timing.
Timing of these instances with dragonflies lead me to believe that this remarkable creature has an important place in my future.  They are around me when I am in a place of peace and nature.  They have presented themselves at times when my eyes have been opened to new ideas and ways of living.  When I am in a place of self-reflection and taking time for myself.
I am on the cusp of change and I'm working to move forward without doubt.  I am on a path where I will need to remove inhibitions, see beyond old patterns and beliefs about how things should or could be done.  Unmasking my "real self" is something that needs my full attention.  I will need to live in the moment and trust that my vision for my life will get me to where I need to go.  I will draw strength as I think of the dragonfly life.


What symbol, book, word, or picture keeps appearing in your life?  Have you taken the time to really notice and consider it?


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