Life is a Summer Garden

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson in Nature, “to be great is to be misunderstood”.

The Invincible Summer: The White Admiral

I went for a walk on that late July afternoon, beaten, burned, and worn out from the day. Although I enjoy my work, on that particular day, I felt the crushing weight of problems to solve, personalities leading to power struggles, and an endless list of decisions. It was like staring at a puzzle where none of the pieces seemed to fit. I wished I knew which path to take—the right one that would lead me to the solutions for all of them.

During my walk, a White Admiral butterfly effortlessly floated in front of me. It landed on the top of a Milkweed leaf growing off the side of the dry, dirt road. With an admiration for butterflies, I stepped off the road to get a better look at him. A chunk of its right wing was missing.

I watched him fly without impairment and was suddenly paralyzed with wonderment and amazement. A butterfly isn’t always a butterfly—it transforms from a shortened, shriveled, worm-like creature into one that is a symbol of grace, beauty, power, and resilience.

I watched his beautifully-imperfect wings flutter just feet in front of me. I felt envious. I imagined his wings carrying me away, like a magic carpet, taking me somewhere—anywhere—warmer, lighter—where summer never ends.

On April 14th the next year, on that beautiful, warm, clear, and sunny Sunday morning, I hiked up Mt. Sabbatus in Lovell, ME. Although the carnage of the long winter—and the freak surprise and severe snowstorm we had not two weeks before—was still visible, like flower petals left behind by a bride’s veil, it was finally beginning to look, feel, and smell like spring.

I sat and admired the waterfalls, the brook rushing across the rocks. It almost sounded like they were murmuring, speaking to me. Words of time, age, and wisdom. Waterfalls, so serene yet so powerful. And then I saw the first one of the season—a White Admiral butterfly greeted me as I reached the peak, as if showing me the way.

After experiencing those moments, not only has nature become my source of healing and replenishment for my soul, but the White Admiral butterfly has become my “power symbol”—a symbol that reminds me of what a strong and beautiful woman I have become, despite my individual imperfections. Those imperfections are a symbol of my own individual beauty; they shape my character and make me who I am.

The Power of Nature

Nature is funny like that, isn’t it? Nature is more powerful in our worlds and to us than we realize. We forget that we are from nature. Nature is part of our biology and is deeply linked to our character. We can learn from nature if we choose to recognize its powers and potential.

Nature is Seeking Truth

The adventures and moments of exploration that I experienced and wrote about above are powerful enough to help us discover who we are. When we set out on a walk, a hike, or a paddle down a river, regardless of season or whether or not we have a specific destination, we not only embark on a journey physically but also metaphysically. We embark on a journey to find ourselves.

Nature encourages us to open and expand our minds and question what is in existence—or “matter”, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson—what we see and feel. As human beings, our thoughts are derivative. They are based on facts and historical events. But what if nature is telling us a different story? We can learn from the sounds and sights of nature, like the syncopated sound of crickets singing their warm summer evening songs.

Nature is Present

Think of a rose. The rose is perfect in its existence today. Each soft, vibrant petal has a unique shape for only that day. Tomorrow, the petal will change shape or wilt. The rose reminds us to be present in the moment.

Nature is Healing and Resilient

We can learn from nature. It has a way of healing, refreshing, and purifying the soul, opening the mind, calming the senses, and seeking our inner spirits.

Healing also extends into our relationships. Every relationship holds a seed of reconciliation. A potential for healing and regrowth. Like trees that have been damaged in a storm beyond what seems like all repair and regrowth. They always find a way to shed their dead, broken limbs, and bud and bloom the next spring. Like nature, we are resilient.

Nature is Beauty

Nature is often personified as a woman. She represents our inner spirit, and we run to her when we need to find truth—in our thoughts, in our world, and even within ourselves. She is the same, but she is also ever-changing. Because, like nature, our thoughts are a figment of beauty. Beauty within ourselves.

Nature is Change

When we think about the White Admiral butterfly, we remember that it wasn’t always a butterfly; it first began its life as a menial caterpillar. The butterfly is a creature that undergoes Metamorphosis—a transformation, change—that arguably is beautiful in and of itself.

However, our perceptions of change are different. As creatures of habit, we are naturally change-averse. However, change represents an opportunity to grow and become better. Greatness appeals to the future.

Change is as natural as the seasons—the very element of nature itself is change. If the very nature and thought of change strikes fear in your heart and soul, remember that you are changing right now, and that fear is a liar. We all go through cycles of rebirth and growth.

Nature represents change, beauty, and our power to choose. As we learn and grow, we cannot expect to remain the same. If we allow it to, nature can also become our source of healing and rest. We don’t always need to seek out sabbaticals or vacations in faraway lands; sometimes, all we need to rest, refresh, and reflect is to step outside. Listen to and feel the summer breeze. Open a window, and let it seep in and calm your soul.

As the seasons change and as nature moves, evolves, and changes, I, too, change. My personal strength, my character, and my body all age and change over time. But even as the seasons change, year after year, and I age, I have learned that rather than fear change and age, I should embrace it. I am learning that with age and change, I am only getting better. I have learned to rest in the sweetness of my own solitude.

As I pondered my own business and life, I realized that it is like a butterfly. It began its life as a tiny caterpillar—small, minuscule, seemingly powerless. Over the years, it has grown, evolved, and transformed. Today, it is finally spreading its wings. The once powerless is now powerful.

Life is a Summer Garden

Life is a garden. We all have the ability to make it our own and grow. We choose what seeds to plant and what flowers to grow. And we need to remember to regularly tend and maintain our gardens. If we don’t, ugly weeds will grow and take over, stunting our own growth, preventing us from reaching our true potential. How we look at our imperfections and disabilities makes us inspiring, hopeful, and inspiring helpful to others.

Like butterflies, humans are meant to grow, evolve, change, and become more beautiful. Change is continuous. Don’t hide from it; embrace it. Only then can we imagine the miracles that lie ahead.

Even though nature can be intense—extreme heat, cold, and severe storms—rain is nourishing and hydrating for all living things. Even in the worst and most severe conditions, we always survive the storms.

With hard work, dedication, love, and patience, we all can enjoy a summer garden.