Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Can We Learn From Dragonflies?


Symbolic Meanings of the Dragonfly
As a creature of the wind, the dragonlfy totem represents change. It's iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.
Dragonflies are also creatures of the water, and any creature whose habitat is in, or around water carries symbolism relative the the subconscious, or "dreaming" mind and thoughts.
This is because in the animal world, water is symbolic of the subconscious mind ("deeper mind," "dreaming mind") and relates to the thoughts we have in relaxed/meditative/sleeping/subconscious states.
Quick-list animal symbolism of the dragonfly:
  • prosperity
  • good luck
  • strength
  • peace
  • harmony
  • purity
These symbolic meanings of dragonfly are particularly associated in Asian (Japan) andNative American (Plains region) circles.
Dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought - and they ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires.
Further symbolic insect meaning of dragonfly comes into play when we observe the dragonfly's mode of transportation as it skitters across the top of water surfaces. This implies that our deeper thoughts are surfacing and we must be mindful of the outcome we wish to have.
The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention - there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we "see on the surface." ...In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives - in our physical surroundings.
The dragonfly gives us a very powerful meditation tool. Close your eyes, and focus on a thought - let it rise to the surface of your mind's ocean - see that thought float lightly up to the water's surface. Now upon the top of a smooth, calm glass-like surface - visualize that thought moving across that water - sliding across - smooth and fast.
This exercise is useful when we want to visualize positive outcomes in a situation. We see the thought of hope happily moving across an ocean of peace (peaceful mind) and skitting to a perfect outcome.
Lastly it should be noted that the Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.


It seems that no matter where we go lately,
we have many dragonflies around us
or even on us.

So what do you think
Can we learn from dragonflies?

I'd like to think so.  


Information taken from:
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-symbolism-dragonfly.html


29 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I never knew all this about dragonflies! The boys and I were watching them at the zoo on Monday.

Unknown said...

Very interesting info Jill :)
Have a great day!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Jill this is a great informative intriguing post. I have always used the Dragon Fly to bring me to a place of refection I have no idea why. It is such a natural thing for me since childhood. Now I know why. Yes I truly believe we can learn a lot from the Dragon Fly. There certainly are a lot of them this year on the farm I am always trying to figure out what their presence means that day in my life. I know it is weird but it makes me happy. B

Anonymous said...

I think we can learn from all of Mother Natures creatures if we keep an open mind.

Nicely done, Jill.
Happy day to you :)

Melodie said...

Great post,I learned some things I didn't know about dragonflies!

Bonnie said...

Loved reading about the dragonfly. He is such a lovely and graceful creature. I've always found them to be a little magical.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Interesting information!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

wow, i never knew this ... thanks for the info. i keep trying to think of a tat that i want ... dragonflies are so cool. a thought. ha. ha!! (:

Lynne said...

. . . and what deeper thoughts are surfacing in Jill . . .

Interesting that you have seen many dragon flies of late. I would say, pay attention . . .

Beth said...

Thank you for this very interesting post.

I love to watch a dragonfly.

My Mind's Eye said...

Excellent post...I do so enjoy watching dragonflies doing their dance over the water.
Hugs Madi and Mom

TexWisGirl said...

interesting. i like the reminder for the shortness of life.

Donna said...

That's a Great exercise Jill! Thanks for the reminder! It does work!
hughugs

Blessed Serendipity said...

I didn't know that about dragonflies. I have always been mesmerized by them and find them quite beautiful the way the sunlight reflects off their wings. Hope you have a great day Jill.

xo,
Danielle

Anonymous said...

Nice dragonfly information, Jill. I've been seeing them around here lately at my bird baths.

Unknown said...

It sure is nice to have all this info! I have always loved to look at dragon flies!

Nancy said...

I'm always in awe of how deft and nimble they are -- we are seeing more these days. Great and informative post, Jill. xo

Debbie said...

very cool post!!

Michaele said...

I loved this Jill! Very good post.

Jeanne said...

That was fun... Thanks!

EG CameraGirl said...

Thanks for all this information, Jill! Yes, we CAN learn from dragonflies.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Beautiful and thoughtful!

Lois Christensen said...

When I was a young girl, I used to be so afraid of dragonflies! So silly now to think of this! Hope you had a nice day!

Saun said...

I never knew this about dragonflies. When i see them I will always remember. Live life to the fullest :)

Susan said...

And here I thought it was just a bug. Learned something new today!!!

Rohrerbot said...

Love the background info Jill:) I knew they were important but didn't know all of their importance to people. We are on the same page. Wait until you see tomorrow:) I think we may have had the same dreams:) Love your picture. They are some of the most beautiful insects out there....and they come in so many different colors.

Rosemary said...

Hi Jill, nice to meet you. I came to visit from a recommendation from Roherbot on this dragonfly post. Well done, I love dragonflies so much I wrote a middle-grade fantasy story about them called Iris and the Dragonflies! Awesome insects for sure :)

Chatty Crone said...

I had no idea! That was interesting. Plus I had no idea they were water related - I never would have guessed. Thanks. sandie

Susan said...

I've always loved the delicate wings on dragonflies Jill and I really enjoyed reading the information in your post :D)