Recently I was on a camping trip and was enjoying a nice sunny spot while reading my book.  Suddenly the shadow of  a dragonfly crossed the page of my book and then I felt the slight tickle as it actually landed on my forehead!  I sat very still looking at the tail of the dragonfly as it hovered above my nose.  We stayed that way for about four minutes until the tiny movements of the dragonfly’s legs began to tickle me too much and I had to move my head which caused it to fly away. 

Then, the other day I was sitting on my deck and a dragonfly landed on my arm.  I remained still and watched my new friend closely.  This time I was better able to see it up close and it was really amazing to look at – intricate markings and incredibly delicate wings.  We sat together silently looking at each other until it decided to fly away. During the next twenty minutes, three more landed on me – on one each leg and another on my hand. 

This experience made me think about what happens when you slow down.  I know some of you are not able to be still when there is any kind of insect around never mind landing on your arm but think of other times when you have stopped.  The dragonfly really helped me to be present to the moment.  I was not thinking about grocery lists, the emails that needed answering or how I was going to pay the bills next month…I was simply in the moment, observing this amazing little creature (who eats mosquitoes, by the way!) who decided to take a moment and observe me.  When we slow down, interesting things can happen and after all, there is only the present moment.  Being fully in the present is the best gift we can give ourselves. 

I looked up the symbolism of the dragonfly and among other things, dragonflies represent being fully engaged and living life to the fullest.  Hhmmm…it seems that my little friends have been trying to tell me something. By slowing down and being still, I received some helpful information and a gentle reminder about being fully engaged.  What would you discover if you slowed down and connected with stillness?

Deb