Today, as I collected my girls from school, their small figures trotted ahead, brimming with the day’s tales. Suddenly, my younger daughter’s eyes caught something in the roadside greenery on our walk home. Her voice, bubbling with excitement, called out to her older sister, drawing her in to share the discovery. “Mum, you’ve got to write about this!” The older one exclaimed, her face alight with wonder. The younger one, barely containing her joy, chimed in, “Take a picture, take a picture!”
I leaned in, snapping a quick photo. There it was: a cinnabar moth caterpillar, its body a striking pattern of distinctive black and bright yellow stripes, diligently feasting on ragwort flowers. It was a truly vibrant sight, a small explosion of colour against the green.
As we continued our stroll, I found myself doing a quick bit of research on my phone. What I discovered about these tiny creatures was fascinating. These caterpillars, I learned, have a remarkable ability to absorb toxins from the very plants they feed on. This makes them unpalatable, even poisonous, to predators. And their bright, eye-catching coloration – the very thing that first captivated my daughters – serves as a bold warning signal, loudly proclaiming their toxicity to anything that might consider them a meal. That seemingly small encounter with nature offers some powerful reflections we can bring into our own lives.
Firstly, it showed me the power of bold self-expression as a form of communication. The caterpillar’s bright colors aren’t just a warning; they’re a clear, undeniable statement of its identity and its boundaries, visible to anyone. This resonated, highlighting how clearly and confidently presenting who we are—our values, our needs, our unique “stripes”—can communicate far more effectively than words or actions alone. It’s about letting your true self be seen and understood without compromise.
Secondly, it underscored the profound strength in finding sustenance even in dire situations. The caterpillar thrives precisely because it feeds on ragwort, a toxic plant. This made me reflect on our own ability to seek out and draw strength from situations or environments that others might perceive as challenging. It’s a powerful lesson in adapting, innovating, and finding resilience amidst seemingly difficult situations.
For these life lessons, I’m grateful to a caterpillar and my girls.
Mindful Miles 
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