One of the smallest British butterflies, these little Blues are a delight. Silvery blue on top of the wings, and a highly patterned lower wing surface. This specimen dallied over the nectar from a yellow saxifrage: being so obliging was a rare treat in butterfly photography! About the size of an adult fingernail, they enrich the garden with their colours and patterns. Small, but beautiful.
A calming influence, butterflies flit and float, then settle to bask and sup at their chosen refectory.
Their behaviour makes the photographer move more slowly, more deliberately, in pursuit of the star of the show. Too fast, or blocking the light, and the little darlings will float away, circling until the “threat” is removed. This can be frustrating, but there is no point in huffing and puffing- that only drives them further away.
Butterflies can, therefore, be therapeutic to those who take time to engage on their terms. Since society generally pushes people to be faster and do more, butterflies are a counter-cultural blessing.
Interaction with Nature is hugely beneficial: to be near trees, hills, water and living creatures means our bodily systems work more smoothly. Our mental wellness improves. Levels of joy usually go up. So these small blue butterflies are a tonic! Just observing is fine; if you choose to photograph them, be patient and you “success rate” will improve with practice.
Make nature-watching a part of your spiritual activity. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places for prayer and preparation. Jesus made an offer- more like a strong suggestion-
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
And in the Letter to the Hebrews, there is another strong instruction about priorities and seeking God-
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
The Reflectionary 