On my way home from the gym this morning, a delicately graceful butter-yellow butterfly crossed my path, just slightly ahead of me in the road.  I was alone in the car and on the road, so I didn’t hesitate to slow down and let her pass safely by, as she danced care-free ahead of me.

She was in no hurry to get to her destination, and I smiled at how her refined beauty had commanded me and my big vehicle to stop for her tiny little self.

In fact, I smiled the rest of the way home, as I drove slowly (which my being alone on the neighborhood road allowed me to do, without impeding anyone else’s mad-rush), and I took in all of the rich green palms, bursting fuchsia crepe myrtles, and majestic evergreens that touched the seamless blue sky.

Not only did I take in all of those living, vibrant colors – I felt true appreciation and awe for them!  As I did, I could feel my own energy and happiness rising, as Nature shared hers with me.  And I thought to myself how this natural energy boost was way better than the Grande Non-Fat Mocha caffeine-charge I had almost talked myself into picking up on the way home.

I am so grateful to that little butterfly-messenger today, who said with its dance, “Hey Lynn, take a “brake” for a moment, and look at this!  It’s pretty amazing, huh!”

I have recently been more consciously focused than ever on doing more of just that – finding peace and fulfillment through slowing down and really tuning into, observing, embracing, and honoring all of the evolving aspects of my Self and this blessing-filled life that I live.

How fitting that this little perfect symbol of evolution – a dancing yellow butterfly – so effortlessly reminded me that the easiest and most elegant path to contentment and flow is through daily appreciation and gratitude, and that inspirational reminders of this simple guidance surround us.  We just need to slow down enough every now and then to let their magic feed our souls!