Beautiful Words, Dangerous Message
“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.”
I’ve seen this quote and, to be honest, have used it myself before I questioned whether or not it’s actually true.
While I understand the well intentioned meaning and the heart-felt emotion it is trying to convey, that we often cannot see our own beauty, the truth is, butterflies actually CAN see their own wings!
Butterflies have compound eyes which give them a nearly 360-degree (up to 344 degrees for some species) field of vision, both vertically and horizontally. Basically, they can see behind themselves.
Do you see the flaw in perpetuating the thinking that we can’t see our own beauty?
Now why would I go and spoil a perfectly good sentiment with facts?
Because it’s important to know that you have the power of self observation!
When’s the last time you took a good look at yourself?
What a cruel design it would be if we had no way to be witness to our own beauty, that we have to rely on others to notice to let us know what we don’t even have the ability to recognize about ourselves.
Of course, I’m not talking about our external beauty. This famous quote, is true….”Beauty is only skin deep.”
Even the musical group, The Temptations, understood this when they sang…
So in love, sad as could be ’Cause a pretty face got the best of me Suddenly, you came into my life And gave it meaning and pure delight Now, good looks, I’ve learned to do without ’Cause now I know it’s love that really counts
’Cause I know that (Beauty’s only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah) I know that (Beauty’s only skin deep, oh yeah) yes indeed
What is it that makes you so beautiful?
- Is your beauty in your integrity and a voice for justice in a chaotic world?
- Is it your gift of empathy for a those so in need of a tender, caring heart?
- Is it your ability to inspire and motivate others to see the beauty in themselves?
- Is it your ability to be fully present with those who are suffering?
- Is your beauty in seeking knowledge, understanding, and insight?
- Is your gift courage and guidance?
- Is your beauty in bringing joy to others?
- Is your beauty seen in your strength that stands in power for those without a voice?
- Is your gift that you stand for peace and harmony, honoring different perspectives and making others feel valued and included?