My Spiritual and Artistic Connection to the Dragonfly

In the spring of 2006, a challenging period for me, I led an overnight student excursion to a conservation area in Ontario. The morning after our arrival, we set out on a hike through a stunning forest with a peaceful river winding through it. As we neared the river, I was enveloped by a sense of peace, something I hadn't felt in a long time. It was a beautiful sunny day, with a blue sky and a refreshing breeze touching my face.

I took a moment to sit by the river, to really appreciate the beauty around me. That's when I noticed something quite extraordinary on the ground beside me. It looked like a beetle's carcass, but there was a worm, glowing in a brilliant turquoise, emerging from it. A guide passing by explained it was a dragonfly in the midst of shedding its skin. I was fascinated – I had always admired dragonflies but never knew their origins. The guide shared that dragonflies spend months, sometimes years, underwater as nymphs. When ready, they emerge to undergo a remarkable transformation, shedding their old skin to reveal their true form.

I watched, completely mesmerized, as the dragonfly freed itself, revealing a body with stunning colors and eyes that captivated me. Initially, it had no visible wings, which made me wonder how such delicate wings could fit inside that small carcass. Then, almost magically, the wings began to unfold and expand. The dragonfly stood there, resplendent atop its old skin, possibly recovering from the intense transformation. It was a moment of pure wonder before it took flight, embarking on its new life.

That dry, shed skin spoke volumes to me. It mirrored the struggles I was experiencing in my life – the pain, fear, and hopelessness. But witnessing this dragonfly's transformation, I felt reassured. It symbolized my own journey of change, reinforcing my belief in a brighter future.

Upon returning home, my curiosity led me to research more about dragonflies. What I discovered was profoundly inspiring. Dragonflies symbolize not just transformation, but also courage, emotional maturity, and self-realization. Their near 360-degree vision represents the ability to see beyond limitations, encouraging curiosity, mental agility, and comprehensive problem-solving. They are symbols of navigating life's turbulent waters with purpose and direction.

This encounter with the dragonfly felt like a personal challenge – to trust the journey of life and to embrace its offerings with an open heart. Motivated by this experience, I applied these lessons to my own life. When faced with uncertainty about the future, I remembered the dragonfly's hopeful transformation. In moments of doubt, I drew strength from its courage and the journey towards self-discovery. Its adaptability became a guiding principle during times of indecision.

As a lasting tribute to this life-changing encounter, I chose to get a tattoo of the dragonfly on my shoulder. It serves as a daily reminder of the support and guidance from the universe, a personal symbol of my growth, resilience, and the continuous journey of learning and embracing change.