Friday, July 06, 2012

the dragonfly



About a year ago, my mother attended a work barbecue.  While at the event, a dragonfly flew into her hair and would not leave despite her trying to swish it away.  A man instantly stated, “That’s good luck!!!”  Within days, she was offered her dream job.  Honestly … at least once a week she says that she still cannot believe how amazing it is.  Was it the dragonfly???


Yesterday, I noticed a tiny bright blue dragonfly flying near me.  I stayed for a while to watch it;  it was hovering right near me and was so close that I could see the iridescence of its wings and its gorgeous bright color.  Then, it landed on my finger.  The dragonfly stayed there for a number of minutes and I immediately felt blessed.  Who couldn’t use some additional luck!?!?  After it flew away, I started to wonder where the “lucky” legend originated from.  After doing some reading, it appears that there are a number of cultures that believe that dragonflies are lucky and that they signify change.  Several websites indicate that the dragonfly symbolizes prosperity and harmony in China and that some Chinese see this insect as a good luck charm.  According to Japanese culture, dragonflies are to be admired and respected as a sign of change and a few websites even stated that the samurai see the dragonfly as a symbol of power, agility and victory.  Some Native American cultures see the dragonfly as a sign of purity, speed and happiness.  My personal favorite view comes from the book Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.  In it, he states that if a dragonfly has shown up in your life, look for change to occur.  “Dragonfly brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision.” 

A great quote that I have posted in my office is by Frank Lloyd Wright (US architect who designed The Guggenheim in New York City) and it states:  "The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen".  I love this quote and I love the symbolism of the dragonfly.  What’s more … I truly believe in it.  THAT is what makes it powerful. 

What do you consider lucky?

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