What can we learn from a dragonfly?
Nature holds endless surprises.
Hello friends,
The dragonflies performed aerial feats in the early morning sun. Their wings, barely visible, fluttered, sending them darting from flower to flower on a chase that only they could define.
We always have dragonflies in the summer, but this year, they seem to have gathered for some dragonfly convention at our lake and backyard. They allowed me to grab a photo or two, sitting gracefully upon a leaf near my chair.
As I watched their acrobats dodging birds and butterflies, I imagined a bug circus convening just for my pleasure and enjoyment. I began to wonder about what makes them unique, beyond their bulging eyes and transparent wings.
People who look for birds go birding, dragonfly seekers, go oding. And there’s more!
Did you know?
As you go oding, you will need a list of over 5,000 species of dragonflies. Have fun looking for all of those.
Dragonflies inhabited the earth for over 300 million years. Remnants of ancient dragonflies had wingspans of over two feet.
With 360-degree vision, dragonflies have an amazing view of the world.
Dragonflies can whiz by at 60 miles per hour—one of the fastest-flying insects in the world.
Carnivorous, they eat mosquitos. Nature always has a solution for pest control.
In addition to these fun facts, what did I learn from a dragonfly?
Life comes in phases.
Our path is never linear.
Beauty exists in all of us.
Nature has a way of opening the door to wonder, and gives a space to answer the question, “What is it that makes you come alive?”
This short National Geographic documentary offers more information about the secret world of dragonflies with stunning photos of these amazing creatures.
Dragonfly music? I discovered a few gems as you go oding this week. Try “Dragonfly Lullaby” by Paul Izak, “Dragonfly” by Ziggy Marley, and Fleetwood Macs, “Dragonfly.”
"The dragonfly charm. Embrace the magic of nature & life will be filled with good fortune."
— Viola Shipman
“Danced and buzzed in the golden autumn light… the air was full of… glinting dragonflies shot …with gauzy wings and gleaming bodies.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle
Find a little wonder this week, and keep on the lookout for the daring, darting, dragonflies.
With gratitude,
Kathryn
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