Messages Come in Many Forms

Just before my cat began to meow for his breakfast to rouse me on this Monday morning, I was dreaming a highly vivid Technicolor scene. I was lounging on cushions inside a large Middle Eastern-style tent, surrounded by drapes and sheer, colorful curtains that were gently moving in the breeze. There were many people around.

These were mostly women dressed in fine saris, skirts, and flowing scarves, sparkling with jewels, and their twittering laughter. They were all atwitter with the anticipation of their king's arrival. I overheard their talk about the king looking for a beautiful, worthy woman to be in a short video with him. Everyone wanted to be chosen.

Except me. I wasn't part of this throng, not really. I was busy teaching a praying mantis to stay on me so it wouldn't get hurt. I was trying to keep it calm and out of my hair. It was on my upper chest, looking at me with its catlike gaze as we were sprawled on the cushions amidst the hubbub.

Then, the energy picked up. The king was just about to arrive! I was sprawled inside the tent on numerous cushions, unconcerned. Apparently, he was just going to circle outside the tent as he scanned the crowd for his video star. Well, second star. For I had the impression that he was very full of himself.

Photo by Cameron Dowd

Everyone suddenly stood up and lined the sides of the tent. I knew standing was a sign of respect and was expected of everyone. But I remained where I was, fixed on the mantis I was tending to. I figured no one could see me there with all the bodies and scarves around.

But of course, when he arrived, I felt exposed and began to worry.

"If this were a story," I thought, "he would fix his eyes right on me. Through all the women, young and old, draped in their fineries, he would spot me, prone as I am. Because I am not doing what everyone else is doing." I gently cupped a hand around the mantis to guide him toward safety.

Then, whew! I woke up to my cat's morning call. (We call him our cat-rooster.)

As I was preparing his breakfast and our coffees, I thought about that scene and looked up possible symbols. What resonated for me was the message that a 'pet' praying mantis might be a message for patience, a meditative spirit, and to focus on quiet contemplation. Okay, that is pretty obvious, and a good reminder.

But then there was this: "In many cultures, a mantis represents good luck, success, and the ability to maintain focus..." Like what I was doing in my dream by focusing on the mantis. This tickled me enough to make me smile.

Whether it's on the mark or not isn't important to me. I loved the colors and the companionship of the praying mantis, and that my dream was like a fun story.

But the little girl inside me delights

But the little girl inside me delights at the positive message and reminds me to take these to heart, too. I can always use good luck and success! And I am truly grateful for the positive messages in my dreams and daily life.

May your week be filled with similar messages of love and encouragement. You deserve it!