Butterfly wisdom

What words come to mind when you see a butterfly?

Renewal? Tranquility? Freedom?

Before taking this picture (click to enlarge), I marveled at the false eyes in the design of this butterfly's wings. The word "wonder" came to mind as I considered how these small markings served to protect the creature. Then, watching the insect flutter about in leisurely fashion, I came to feel a peace in its presence. I was experiencing "tranquility."

The butterfly has become a metaphor for a wide range of concepts and feelings ... metaphors expressed throughout time and regardless of place. And that is why I'd like to share with you some of favorite butterfly quotations from around the world:

Happiness --

Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. -- Nathaniel Hawthorne, American short-story writer and novelist

When a small child, I thought that success spelled happiness. I was wrong, happiness is like a butterfly which appears and delights us for one brief moment, but soon flits away. -- Anna Pavlova, Russian ballerina

Living in the moment --

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. --Rabindranath Tagore, Indian poet, playwright and essayist

Reality --

Once I dreamed I was a butterfly, and now I no longer know whether I am Chuang Tzu, who dreamed I was a butterfly, or whether I am a butterfly dreaming that I am Chuang Tzu. -- Chuang Tzu, Chinese philosopher

Hope/potential --

Do ye not comprehend that we are worms born to bring forth the angelic butterfly that flieth unto judgment without screen? --Dante Alighieri, Italian author and poet

Here's wishing you a day filled with butterflies ... however you choose to see them!

Comments

[Brenda replies]

Pepsoid -- I'm guessing the moths are feeling pretty cheated!

Titania -- Several years ago we had one flitting around the back deck. I'd swear it was teasing our cat Bear (a senior citizen) at the time! It kept him entertained for a good five minutes!

merelyme -- That's what I like about nature: it's always there when we need it! (I hope we'll always be able to say that!)

[pepsoid]

Wonderful! :)

Butterflies do indeed represent the fragile, slow, gentle beauty of life...

& transformation!

[Titania]

A very good post. I see the butterfly as all of those things. Last summer I had a very unusual thing happen... I had a very beautiful Monarch land on the back of my hand and stayed there for a good ten minutes! I brought it into the house to show my husband. She/he moved around as if looking at the scenery but not once attempted to fly away. I took my friend back outside and sat down on the grass to take it all in. I was so blessed to have been chosen as a trusted friend to this beautiful creature. It is something I will never forget. :o)

[merelyme]

thank you...i could use some butterfly spirit right about now.