A Good Omen
As I got into my car the other day after work, I noticed a strange sight staring back at me from the hood of my car. I recognized the creature immediately as a praying mantis and felt excitement throughout my body. These insects are so special! They are not only the Connecticut state insect, but they are such a rare sight to see. This one was mostly brown but had a bright green belly. It stood beautiful and still. I got out of my car and walked around to the side where the bug was, and as I did, I noticed something peculiar. It was as if the praying mantis was watching me- his head turned and followed me as I came closer, then he just sat there staring. We were making eye contact- my hazel eyes were locked with his big, green eyes. After a few seconds, he turned his head back and I went to get a stick, with the help of a co-worker, so that I could move the insect to safety and away from the full parking lot. He was very cooperative, and we moved him to the field. As I drove away, I thought to myself, awesome, now I will have good luck! Assuming that finding a praying mantis granted good luck. However, when I got home that night I did some brief research and found quite an interesting array of meanings behind the praying mantis and its symbolism.
One of the first meanings I read about was that finding a praying mantis is a sign of stillness and meditation. At first, I was struck by this since stillness and meditation are what I practice each and every time I go to yoga. I felt it was powerful that I found a praying mantis as a reminder that my yoga practices are working and are making me still, calm, and healthy. In this regard, a praying mantis is brought to us when we are so busy and caught up with life flashing by that we forget to take time to breathe and be still. How true it was at the moment that I found him. As I kept reading, I was more awe-struck at some other symbolism. Creativity, patience, and balance were listed as well, which all hit home for me and my recent interests, hobbies, and mindset.
One website offered insight that a praying mantis is the oldest symbol of God. The word "mantis" is a Greek word meaning prophet, therefore, being a spiritual creature. I enjoyed reading about that meaning because I have recently been trying to connect on a deeper level with my religion and my faith, and was unsure if I was being heard or succeeding in my efforts. "Meet the eye of a mantis and feel the presence of God." I did that. The praying mantis watched me, turned his head as I walked around my car to meet it. Could it be that a reminder of God and an acknowledgement came to me in the form of an insect? I believe it's possible. If we don't take everything so literally and don't just see a bug as a bug, there is a lot more potential and meaning behind our experiences and encounters. A praying mantis is a guide- someone who shows the way. In many different cultures across the world a praying mantis is thought of to show the way home, to lead to the holy land, or to find lost animals. My research on the topic created a brand new fascination with the insect and all its history and symbolism.
I want to believe each article that I read, I want to understand the meaning behind such a beautiful insect, and I want all of the research I read to stand true. Whether it's a sign from God, a good omen, or a peaceful reminder to remain still and calm, I enjoyed my encounter and have been pondering it since. It's the unexpected and incredible events in this world that continue to amaze and move me.
One of the first meanings I read about was that finding a praying mantis is a sign of stillness and meditation. At first, I was struck by this since stillness and meditation are what I practice each and every time I go to yoga. I felt it was powerful that I found a praying mantis as a reminder that my yoga practices are working and are making me still, calm, and healthy. In this regard, a praying mantis is brought to us when we are so busy and caught up with life flashing by that we forget to take time to breathe and be still. How true it was at the moment that I found him. As I kept reading, I was more awe-struck at some other symbolism. Creativity, patience, and balance were listed as well, which all hit home for me and my recent interests, hobbies, and mindset.
I want to believe each article that I read, I want to understand the meaning behind such a beautiful insect, and I want all of the research I read to stand true. Whether it's a sign from God, a good omen, or a peaceful reminder to remain still and calm, I enjoyed my encounter and have been pondering it since. It's the unexpected and incredible events in this world that continue to amaze and move me.
Hello Sunshine
ReplyDeleteI have also have embraced the symbolism of the Praying Mantis. A Gift of Grace infusing my Spirit, coloring this phase of me with glowing Light.
The Praying Mantis appears to folks at a time of need, perhaps a shift out of balance, perhaps a reminder to stop, breathe, relax.
...Everything Will Be Okay...
Growing up I thought the Mantis was just so cool, "far out" in the vernacular of my teens. A bit of Funky creativy from Nature. I had never actually seen one.
I became ill this past summer, shook me up to realize that I should apply the concept of "Mortality" to myself. Time constraints, desire to enjoy summertime, having not finished organizing my closet were simply irrelevent. Shit Happens.
The night prior to major abdominal surgery, I tried to navigate through my brain, which was not functioning quite right due to "raging infection", and was not able to find words even to talk to myself.
Well, ok then, time to chat with My God as he does not require vocabulary.
Dear God, if y'all have an Angel available to hang out and hold my hand tommorow I will be Thankful.
Historically, My God responds to my heartfelt prayers quickly, understanding my short attention span, often with my sense of humor.
Speaking a language I can understand.
The next day when they came to whisk me off to the O.R, I spotted her, my Praying Mantis. Right there, on the window of my seventh floor hospital room, in the hot Texas sun of July, patiently waiting, my vantage point being the only place where she was visible until I pointed her out. The porters stopped so I could look and my husband could snap a pic on my phone.
There she was, my Angel, come to hold my hand and Pray! The first, maybe only, real live Praying Mantis I have ever seen.
I laughed with the joyful wonderment of a child, I relaxed completely as a warm calmness infused every fiber of my Being.
Everything Will Be Okay
Bonnie
BonRoxOnOhYesSheDoes
Stunning sign - 'be still and listen'...and you did. The internet gives the meanings of signs - may I suggest you do a search Praying Mantis Spiritual Meaning, or Praying Mantis sign...I am certain the information you read will resonate with your very soul. x
ReplyDeleteHi guys and anyone that reads this...
ReplyDeleteI too found a praying mantis waiting for me on my desk in a spot where I couldn't possibly miss it. It is a gorgeous light green in color.
Just like the previous poster it seemed to be waiting for me. Perfectly still it's little head just dipping from side to side as it watched me. I immediately knew it was some sort of sign. I am going through something traumatic and I think I was about to make a huge mistake in how I approached my problem, The mantis's message seems clear. Be still, calm and patient. Thank you God for your amazing message. Your little helper couldn't have shown up at a better time.It's currently staying at the top of my curtain railing. Almost with a watchful eye. My journey in this reality has certainly also become a greater joy as I found my true path. Love and blessings to you all.
Dave aka solarmax