When we first arrived back to the states, I was in absolute shock at how much the housing prices went up. Three-fold! What a shock to the system, especially coming back from one of the most expensive housing markets in the world namely, Toronto. What was once affordable is now on the higher end and the space doesn’t compare to my youthful notions. I had high hopes of my kids romping in grassy knolls; maybe not in Arizona but you get the picture. So having to make a decision to start a homebase, we had to make a decision on what we wanted our landscaping to be. We decided the best use of space was to make the yard the greenest( sustainable) space we could all designed and produced by our own family hands. We opted for a large garden. Not only for the sustenance but for the automatic life that comes alongside other life.
In the quiet stillness of a garden, there exists a harmony of little life forms waiting to be noticed. Picture this: the sun’s golden rays cascading through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the vibrant flora, and amidst this picturesque scene, a dragonfly delicately perched on a leaf, its wings shimmering like spun glass in the sunlight.
Being present in such moments is a gift—a chance to witness the extraordinary in the ordinary. The dragonfly, a tiny marvel of nature, embodies grace as it basks in the warmth of the sun. Its iridescent wings catch the light, displaying an array of colors that seem almost too exquisite to be real.
Observing this scene invites a sense of tranquility. In a world often rushing from one task to the next, taking a moment to witness the subtle dance of a dragonfly allows us to embrace the serenity that comes with being fully present. The world slows down, and suddenly, the only thing that matters is the beauty unfolding before our eyes.
There’s a certain magic in watching the dragonfly—its delicate movements, its brief pauses, and its graceful flights. It serves as a reminder to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the simple yet profound wonders of nature. In its ephemeral presence, there’s a lesson—a gentle nudge to savor the fleeting moments that make life remarkable.
The dragonfly’s presence in the garden is a call to mindfulness. It encourages us to let go of distractions and immerse ourselves in the here and now. For when we do, we find ourselves connected to the intricate rhythms of the natural world, finding solace and joy in the simplicity of existence.
As the dragonfly takes flight, disappearing into the foliage, its brief visit leaves an enduring impression. It reminds us that amidst life’s hustle and bustle, there’s immense beauty in slowing down and being present. It’s a reminder to relish the moments, to find peace in nature’s exquisite displays, and to cherish the quiet marvels that often go unnoticed.
We try to give our beautiful children the gift of beautiful experiences and not just material items. The pictures below were from an unforgettable time at Lake Eerie during the lengthy covid lockdown. We used our pop-up camper and traveled as much as my husbands job would allow. I know for most this time was daunting and overwhelming; as was the same for us, but we tried to make the most of what we had and where we were in space and time. While we visited, we were privy to the most beautiful displays of wildlife. Turtles hatching, slithering snakes, bluejays chirping and once again the majestic dragonflies in swarms of thousands!!
So, the next time you find yourself in a garden or nature in general, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of being present. Watch the dragonflies as they dance in the sunlight, and let yourself be captivated by the sheer splendor of a moment—a moment that holds the essence of tranquility, wonder, and the art of simply being.
