I had reached the site in the White Mountains of New
Hampshire that I used for my usual three day meditation and cleansing ritual.
Only once did I run into other hikers and they were on a day trip and brought a
bottle of wine to share. This visit was just to recharge. When I got to the
site a large insect buzzed right to my face and without thinking I swatted the
dragonfly and knocked it into a bush where it landed motionless. I was still in
city mode and was immediately bummed that I had thoughtlessly killed such a
wonderful creature.

I set up my tent, hand ground some coffee beans and brewed a
shot of espresso. I wandered about, enjoying the thousands of dragonflies and
feasting on wild blackberries. It was truly a magical beautiful day that helped
me center and quiet my mind. I was still upset that I had impulsively reacted
and killed the dragonfly. Hours later, I went back to the bush hoping the
Dragonfly had recovered and flown away. The dragonfly was still on the bush,
upside down and not moving. I picked the dragonfly up and held it in my open
left hand and told the dragonfly what a perfect day it had been for me except I
was sorry and wishing I hadn’t hurt him. I gently stroked his long body with
one finger and asked him to forgive me. The dragonfly started moving its wings
and sat looking at me for a few minutes before flying away. I still feel
blessed.