When I came home from a month-long vacation, I was pleasantly surprised by how much my butterfly bush grew. In a sunny spot in my backyard, it’s in full bloom, showing off its purple blossoms. I was admiring its beauty through the kitchen window, when I saw a huge butterfly landing on top of the bush. Being an avid photographer, even though feeling dazed from jet lag, I grabbed my camera and rushed outside. Despite my best effort not to startle the butterfly, it flew away as soon as I approached. I watched it fly away with its stunning wings, and said silently: “Hello butterfly! I will never hurt you. I just want to take your pictures because you are so beautiful.” I said that a few times, then waited. I quieted my mind, closed my eyes, and just enjoyed the warm sun on my skin. When I opened my eyes, a big bumble bee on another flowering bush caught my eye, and I went over to take its pictures. Then, to my surprise, a humming bird showed up! This was only the second time in my life that I saw a humming bird, and I was overjoyed I had my good camera at ready! After the humming bird, I captured some great pictures of a spider, a dragonfly and more bees. The butterfly came back once in a while, as if checking me out. Each time I greeted it silently, reassuring that I will not hurt it. However, as soon as I tried to take its picture, it fled.
“Oh well”, I thought to myself, “I’ve really enjoyed myself and got quite a few good shots this afternoon. I’m happy with or without the butterfly.” Moments later, the butterfly reappeared. This time, it flew past me and landed on top of the butterfly bush. It lingered just long enough for me to take a few pictures. “Thank you”, I said silently as it flew away gracefully.
When I looked at the pictures, I was astounded by what I saw. A good chunk of the butterfly’s wings was missing. It’s as if someone, or something, has ripped it off violently. What battle of survival has this little guy fought? I wonder. What courage and strength does it take to fly again? I bet when the butterfly took flight with the broken wings, it wasn’t thinking its wings were no longer perfect. We all have traumas and battle scars from the past. The question is, do you focus on the trauma and imperfection, or your strength and beauty?
Labels: attitude, empowerment, inspiration
