Yesterday morning, as David and I were packing for our 5+ weeks of adventure in Europe, I noticed a praying mantis on a chair in the kitchen. Wondering about the symbolism of such an appearance, I looked it up. Yes, it’s a symbol of good fortune, but good fortune found through stilling the mind, seeking peace and calmness. One website says, “Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds. An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quiet and reach a place of calm.”
I’ve been meditating regularly, as in every day, since January. But recently, with the busyness of lots of family visits and getting ready for a long trip, I’ve found myself not getting to meditation at least several days in the last few weeks. That’s after 8 months of no-fail daily meditation.
We’re in Normandy today, staying tonight in the lovely village of Saint-Germer-de-Fly, on our way to a week with our friend Anny at her summer house in Lisores. It’s been a packed day, and after a night on an airplane, and landing in a time zone 6 hours ahead of the one I left, my body isn’t entirely sure what day it is. Tuesday, right?
Which means I haven’t meditated yet today. I’ve been busy being stunned by beautiful villages and old abbeys and sun chasing rain showers chasing sun across a rolling green landscape of hay fields and pasture.
So, time to meditate. In the meantime, here’s a taste of the first day of our adventure.
Grace Mattern 