A unique silver ring may be the one thing that can entice me to spend money on myself. When I retired in 2006, we went up into north country on vacation and in a small town art shop I bought a handmade adjustable silver band, made by a local artist. I wear it all of the time on either of my pinkie fingers. This ring signifies my freedom after 45 years of employer enslavement. It signifies my freedom to fill my days as I so choose.
- The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world, symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization...the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.
- The dragonfly's scurrying flight across water represents going beyond what's on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life.
- It's agile flight and its ability to move in all six directions exude a sense of power and poise...something that comes only with age and maturity.
- The dragonfly can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter, fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up, down, and on either side. What is incredible is that it does this while flapping its wings only 30 times a minute, while mosquitoes and houseflies need to flap their wings 600 and 1000 times a minute, respectively. The awe-inspiring aspect is how the dragonfly accomplishes this with utmost simplicity and effectiveness and with 20 times as much power in each of its wing strokes when compared to the other insects. It does it with elegance and grace, much like a ballet dancer.
- Both of its wings and body exhibits iridescence, which allows it to show itself in different colors, depending on the angle of light falling on it. This iridescence is seen as the end of one's self-created illusions and a clear vision into the realities of life. Iridescence is also associated with the discovery of one's own abilities by unmasking the real self and removing the doubts one casts on his/her own sense of identity. In other words, it means self-discovery and removing inhibitions, which at age 65, should be an integral part of my being alive.
- This insect flies only for a fraction of its life and usually no more than a few months. The adult dragonfly does it all in these few months and leaves nothing to be desired. This style of life exemplifies the virtue of living IN the moment and living life to the fullest. By living in the moment, we are aware of who we are, where we are, what we are doing, what we want, what we don't, and can make informed choices on a moment-to moment basis. This ability lets us live our life without regrets like the great dragonfly.
- Their eyes are most amazing. Given almost 80% of its brain power is dedicated to its sight and the fact that it can see in all 360 degrees around it, this insect symbolizes the uninhibited vision of the mind and the ability to see beyond the limitations of the human self. It symbolizes a human being's rising from materialism to being able to see beyond the mundane into the vastness that is really our Universe, and our own minds.
- I saved the best for last. The dragonfly doesn't bite.
Ta-ta.
(Info taken from the Dragonfly Site)