Recalibrating My Senses to the Diminutive Scale of Nature

Hmmm, in this world where bigger-is-better seems to be the rule of thumb, there is much to be gained from learning to notice the minutiae of the natural world.

I’ve grown weary of the monolithic proportions of man’s creations. More and more I find myself turning for perspective and inspiration to the small creatures that so often go unnoticed.

Take this little Arctic Skipper for example. It is less than an inch in size. If you care to look for it, you’ll find it in moist clearings and mixed woodlands in late spring and early summer. The checkerboard pattern of orange and brown is always a delight to me – especially when it shows off by perching on a splash of purple wildflower in a sea of vibrant green as this one did.

So easily missed… unless you slow your steps and train your eyes to focus in a new way.

These mating Aurora Damsels are minute wisps of blue, black and sunshine yellow in the quiet pools and backwaters they call home. Such delicate and elegant little creatures with their feathery wings, bulging eyes and intricate markings.

So easily unobserved… unless you make a conscious effort to seek them out.

Would you notice this tiny Long Dash Skipper if it chanced to cross into your field of view as you strolled through a grassy meadow? It’s even smaller than the Arctic Skipper. Unless you view it through binoculars, the distinctive spot band would never register with you.

So easily passed by… unless you chose to scan each foot of meadow that lies ahead of you.

Have you ever thought to scan the lily pads of marshy ponds and small lakes for this two inch long Lilypad Clubtail? And if you did, would you notice the azure eyes, yellow chevrons and distinctive gold claspers? There is only an 8 or 10 week window in late May to early August to behold it before it fades away until next year.

So easily overlooked… unless you recalibrate your senses to the scale of nature.

These miniscule creatures are a metaphor for the fact that beauty is often found in tiny corners, in small doses and in delicate distinctions that only a practised eye can uncover. Trust me – it is worth the effort to change your perspective and go looking for these miniature expressions of life. A beauty lies there which you may never have imagined.

~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.comor the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog.

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