The Peace of Wild Things

This past week I had several experiences that moved me very deeply. 

I began a three year program for health care professionals in healing trauma where I met many truly amazing people who inspired me. 

During the class, a small dragonfly landed on a chair in front of me. I watched it with great curiosity as it stayed still for a very long time. 

Later that day I went for a walk around a body of water in Southbury, Connecticut and photographed these lovelies. 

I was struck by their stillness and beautiful wings. 

This is the first time that I have ever photographed dragonflies.  

When I came home I read about the meaning of the dragonfly and was reminded that they are symbolic of prosperity, harmony, happiness and purity. 

They are also symbolic of life cycles and change,  joy and new light. 

 This lovely poem was shared on the second day of class by one of the students. 

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS

by 

Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, 

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron

feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and I am free.