20 thoughts on “The Spirit Guide Teaching: Dragonfly Teaching”
Great job Louise! And I”m testing out the comment section 🙂
Lovely
Hi Louise, thank you for sharing your wisdom and story with us, as well as the Dragonfly Teaching. Many things resonated with me. I also feel drawn to share your teachings and this video with my two sons, Jackson age 15 and Jesse age 13. I have learned a lot from the medicine wheel, animal medicine and Indigenous teachings from my work in many First Nations’ communities over the years doing suicide prevention and healing work, as well as sharing training and other supports. I always feel like I am a student while being a teacher. Both live close together, as you also mentioned. I loved these words you offered: “What you change into is already a part of you.” And, “Once you change, you have grown into someone you were meant to be.” During this COVID pandemic time, I have been aware of many losses and stressors, and equally aware of new growth and the possibilities for such that are still waiting to grow wings. As you said, “anything is possible.” May we all rise and fly into our fullest potential now and into the future.
I hope you will share more of your stories and Spirit Guide Teachings.
With gratitude…Miigwetch, Lynda
(posting a second time, as the first post had some spelling/word errors that I didn’t catch until afterwards and there was no way to edit it 🙂
I removed the first one for you Lynda, I’ll look into the editing options – thanks!
So good! Many lessons in this video and they all resonate. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this Louise. I look forward to hearing more of your teachings. Wonderful job!
Meegwetch to everyone for taking the time to have a listen and then reply! Much appreciated!
louise
Well said, and well read, Louise. I love the symbol of transformation – when the dragon fly nymph is ready; the beauty is already within.
The comment above is from Eric Stutzman
This was a lovely and calming experience to listen and view. Well done. Thank you.
Many parts resonated with me! I am definitely left curious to know about the teachings that flow from other animals. This will fit for many, but I wonder what perspectives and stories will come from the nature of other animals.
I’m also struck by the commonality and overlap that exists here with many of my Mennonite upbringing teachings. The teachings here add a nice colour and warmth to the connectedness of our many parts, our stories and learning about identity as tied to our history.
I look forward to seeing this develop and sharing more widely!
Nathan
Ekosi, Louise! This dragonfly teaching is wonderful and resonates with me on so many levels. I think it is more powerful than the caterpillar to butterfly metaphor that is often talked about because the dragonfly nymph starts out mean and ends up beautiful! And the teaching has so much more depth than a simple metaphor.
For the video itself, I like most of the images and the vignettes of the dragonflies. A few things I would perhaps change – the dark image of a fragmented person at 4:29 seems a bit incongruent with what is being discussed, also the image of shadows at 12:29 doesn’t seem to fit for me. Same with the images of the school hallway and classroom, they seem out of sync. The music is calming however a bit too loud, it needs to be very much in the background so as not to overwhelm your voice. Apart from those few things, it is very visually and aurally pleasing.
Overall, I really like it and can see myself sharing it not only with clients but with my friends and family. The teaching really speaks to me in my own journey. The teaching that our beautiful self is already in us would be so powerful for many people to hear. I look forward to this video being completed and ready for use, and also to all the other Spirit Guide teachings! Much love,
Wilma
Thank you for sharing Louise! Many powerful messages here, and the format really works. Looking forward to hearing more of your teachings!
Thank you for sharing, Louise! Your message and teachings are so inspiring and I look forward to hearing more.
In response to your specific questions:
a) The teaching is powerful and impactful. The integration of personal story and the powerful metaphor provide a wonderful opportunity for reflection and learning. As a non-indigenous observer who is very much interested in indigenous teaching, it provides an accessible and applicable life lesson from nature.
b and c) I think that many of us in the human family (indigenous or otherwise) have seen and observed dragonflies. They are a part of our experience and present in our field of view. This indigenous teaching overlaps with all cultures and this is a part of what makes it so accessible. Including the teaching of elders, the medicine wheel, your personal story alongside this teaching is part of what makes it accessible and applicable for those coming from other cultures.
d) The length is fine. There seem to be a few specific segments to the video that could also stand on their own depending on use and application … which is great.
e) Part of what makes this video powerful is the connection to your personal story. If other videos are added that introduce other metaphors and teachings, please seek to authentically keep them connected to the lived experience of the one who is sharing.
f) The wording is beautiful and does not need to change. It comes across as personal, authentic and your story.
g) Definitely an excellent fit.
h) Just a few notes about graphics. These are very minor points … the video is great as is without any changes … but just on the off chance that there is room for a few editing considerations.
You share medicine wheel teachings beginning at about 4:00 minutes and then reference the medicine wheel explicitly at 4:45. The spinning medicine wheel graphic is introduced at 4:10. Consider starting the graphic at 4:45 when you mention the wheel explicitly. Also consider not using a “spinning graphic” … obvious why it is spinning (it is a wheel) … but it is very interesting to me as a non-indigenous viewer and I would like to see it clearly.
I thought that the “tightrope” graphic at 4:20 and the “gut feel” graphic at 4:28 could be improved … I only kind of get the connection.
The “not nice nymph as predator” graphics come a little early (early 10 minute mark). Consider delaying them to the point when you explicitly reference this later at 10:50.
Same with school graphic. It isn’t clear until later why you are showing a classroom. Comes at 11:17 but isn’t referenced until 11:47.
Thank you again for sharing these teachings and I look forward to hearing further about their use and impact … and to considering further how they might be integrated into other teachings.
I really loved the content and the concept. My only thought is that by reading the content I found it went a little fast and I personally love when the Elders share their wisdom as though in conversation with us all, and it feels as though the emotion and connection of the teller is somehow even more personal.
tansi Vicki and Louise! It’s been great having the initial opportunities to connect over this video.
A) First Reactions: I really enjoyed listening to it…and it did remind me of some things growing up. I loved that.
B) Reminders: While the Anicinabeg (Algonquin) teachings differ in some ways from the Metis (Louise, please accept my sincere apologies if I missed what Nation(s) gave these teachings!) As Anicinabe, I always heard how dragonfly is the grandfather for the insect world…in fact my grandson was named “Dragonfly Man” by my mother before she passed….and my late Kokom used to talk about a time when we lived among the “mici-pijew” (the great cat) and misabimak (the wooly elephant – or mammoth). She used to tell stories of the great snake, the giant Thunderbird, the giant frogs, the big beavers….and of course – the djiagish. We were to treat them with great care – and that like sturgeon….they hold many teachings and much knowledge about life.
Growing up – there were different kinds of dragon flies we were encouraged to allow near us, and others not so much. Therefore, dragonflies were teachers to us humans…and while we did not consider them Elders…we more considered them our relatives who, like the little people and misabe – could travel two worlds.
We were always taught about the different types…and I used to hear some people call them different things like “wolves” or “hunters” and such. They were to be greatly respected and we were NEVER to make fun of or abuse or kill them. To do so was not a good thing. For one to land on you was considered very very fortunate – you were being blessed in more than one way.
C) I think I would use this teaching in the trauma training and in a number of other areas – including in the Suicide training. This teaching Louise shares is beautiful and truly demonstrates the Metis worldview of life, death and procreation. For other groups I walk and work with, I might just share on life and death and maybe not so much about procreation (as I’m not familiar with what the Bible teaches on this other than the “go forth and be many”). I would also consider using this video to highlight more the similarities around the teachings she shares and align it with what I was taught growing up.
D) The video length is great! I love the 15 minutes!
E) I think it would be great to see multiple cultures sharing videos like this! It would be wonderful! My adopted Chinese family have taught me their views on the dragonfly and I’d love to hear what others share about them!
F) Not so much the wording – but I would put in a disclaimer somewhere about how each Indigenous culture will have different teachings on the dragonfly and that this is a (combination of Metis and Cree or Odjibway? – I’m so sorry! I cannot remember!)
G)Yes the teaching and description aligns.
H) This video can be used in the part where we talk about life/death in CRP, and even in Trauma, Lateral Violence and Suicide for starters. It can also be used in the Anxiety, Bullying and Change Management to name a few…there are so many teachings that could come out of this.
For example…when we think of Play Therapy – dragonfly also teaches us about play and freedom. As children growing up – my Kokom and Moshom used to point out to us whenever they (dragon flies) played…and one way they would “play” with us kids is we would race them (they are very fast fliers! Faster than bees)!!! My dad used to drive and “clock” them while they flew beside us – sometimes for many kilometres – and a few times, all the way you our bush camp!! – so we knew as kids they were very agile and effective travellers with lots of endurance (so my family taught us that the dragonfly taught us about perseverance)… but they can also help teach about family violence….and of course self and self sacrifice (which could also fit in the vicarious trauma training).
As a suggestion: what about creating a kind of questions/answer sheet or a kind of discussion sheet that can be shared with Trainers…that are entered around Louise’s teachings here?
Maybe one other suggestion: at minute 6:38 I might suggest introducing a painting/picture of something representing “spirit” – or even insert a video of the Northern Lights dancing (as this was a common shared belief for many Indigenous groups that represented spirits), and at 6:45 – it would be great to have a picture or video of eagles flying and fade into children playing….and then start the dragon fly nymph video at 6:35.
That said….I’m certain other cultures have teachings and it would be great to see these? 🙂 thanks again Louise and Vicki – this was an amazing video!!! You ladies and Luke are awesome. 🙂
Sorry! A few edits:
H) “My dad used to drive and “clock” them while they flew beside us-sometimes for many kilometres-and a few times, all the way to our bush camp!!”
“As a suggestion: what about creating a kind of question/answer sheet or a kind of discussion sheet that can be shared with Trainers…that are centred around Louise’s teachings?”
I wish I could edit my errors – darned dragon speaker and autocorrect. I should have just typed!
Thank you Louise. So much wisdom and so much hope. As I get older, I find myself still searching for myself and yes, I know I’m in there somewhere. I feel that your words will help guide me through that journey. I love the video of the dragonflies, watching them helped me focus on your message, and made me feel hopeful.
Wow, this was wonderful and I feel like it is so timely for many of us in our current journeys. Louise, I feel so fortunate to hear from you again!
I feel like the imagery gets progressively better. I would like to suggest a few swaps of the stock imagery. I feel that a few of the early ones weren’t as impactful as it could be (and I do believe we have a nice collection of stock photos available if you are interested.)
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you Louise – this teaching will transform my relationship with dragon flies! Most importantly, thanks to your self disclosure it was very relatable. I appreciate you sharing so beautifully. “What you change into was always within you” particularly touched me. I also felt reassured by the nymph stage and how you normalized relating to that; we haven’t always been the best versions of ourselves and that is ok.
Thank you to the team that put it together, the music and visuals were lovely. I see some specific feedback about images above and I didn’t disagree.
I look forward to more….
With gratitude and appreciation,
Nadine
Great job Louise! And I”m testing out the comment section 🙂
Lovely
Hi Louise, thank you for sharing your wisdom and story with us, as well as the Dragonfly Teaching. Many things resonated with me. I also feel drawn to share your teachings and this video with my two sons, Jackson age 15 and Jesse age 13. I have learned a lot from the medicine wheel, animal medicine and Indigenous teachings from my work in many First Nations’ communities over the years doing suicide prevention and healing work, as well as sharing training and other supports. I always feel like I am a student while being a teacher. Both live close together, as you also mentioned. I loved these words you offered: “What you change into is already a part of you.” And, “Once you change, you have grown into someone you were meant to be.” During this COVID pandemic time, I have been aware of many losses and stressors, and equally aware of new growth and the possibilities for such that are still waiting to grow wings. As you said, “anything is possible.” May we all rise and fly into our fullest potential now and into the future.
I hope you will share more of your stories and Spirit Guide Teachings.
With gratitude…Miigwetch, Lynda
(posting a second time, as the first post had some spelling/word errors that I didn’t catch until afterwards and there was no way to edit it 🙂
I removed the first one for you Lynda, I’ll look into the editing options – thanks!
So good! Many lessons in this video and they all resonate. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this Louise. I look forward to hearing more of your teachings. Wonderful job!
Meegwetch to everyone for taking the time to have a listen and then reply! Much appreciated!
louise
Well said, and well read, Louise. I love the symbol of transformation – when the dragon fly nymph is ready; the beauty is already within.
The comment above is from Eric Stutzman
This was a lovely and calming experience to listen and view. Well done. Thank you.
Many parts resonated with me! I am definitely left curious to know about the teachings that flow from other animals. This will fit for many, but I wonder what perspectives and stories will come from the nature of other animals.
I’m also struck by the commonality and overlap that exists here with many of my Mennonite upbringing teachings. The teachings here add a nice colour and warmth to the connectedness of our many parts, our stories and learning about identity as tied to our history.
I look forward to seeing this develop and sharing more widely!
Nathan
Ekosi, Louise! This dragonfly teaching is wonderful and resonates with me on so many levels. I think it is more powerful than the caterpillar to butterfly metaphor that is often talked about because the dragonfly nymph starts out mean and ends up beautiful! And the teaching has so much more depth than a simple metaphor.
For the video itself, I like most of the images and the vignettes of the dragonflies. A few things I would perhaps change – the dark image of a fragmented person at 4:29 seems a bit incongruent with what is being discussed, also the image of shadows at 12:29 doesn’t seem to fit for me. Same with the images of the school hallway and classroom, they seem out of sync. The music is calming however a bit too loud, it needs to be very much in the background so as not to overwhelm your voice. Apart from those few things, it is very visually and aurally pleasing.
Overall, I really like it and can see myself sharing it not only with clients but with my friends and family. The teaching really speaks to me in my own journey. The teaching that our beautiful self is already in us would be so powerful for many people to hear. I look forward to this video being completed and ready for use, and also to all the other Spirit Guide teachings! Much love,
Wilma
Thank you for sharing Louise! Many powerful messages here, and the format really works. Looking forward to hearing more of your teachings!
Thank you for sharing, Louise! Your message and teachings are so inspiring and I look forward to hearing more.
In response to your specific questions:
a) The teaching is powerful and impactful. The integration of personal story and the powerful metaphor provide a wonderful opportunity for reflection and learning. As a non-indigenous observer who is very much interested in indigenous teaching, it provides an accessible and applicable life lesson from nature.
b and c) I think that many of us in the human family (indigenous or otherwise) have seen and observed dragonflies. They are a part of our experience and present in our field of view. This indigenous teaching overlaps with all cultures and this is a part of what makes it so accessible. Including the teaching of elders, the medicine wheel, your personal story alongside this teaching is part of what makes it accessible and applicable for those coming from other cultures.
d) The length is fine. There seem to be a few specific segments to the video that could also stand on their own depending on use and application … which is great.
e) Part of what makes this video powerful is the connection to your personal story. If other videos are added that introduce other metaphors and teachings, please seek to authentically keep them connected to the lived experience of the one who is sharing.
f) The wording is beautiful and does not need to change. It comes across as personal, authentic and your story.
g) Definitely an excellent fit.
h) Just a few notes about graphics. These are very minor points … the video is great as is without any changes … but just on the off chance that there is room for a few editing considerations.
You share medicine wheel teachings beginning at about 4:00 minutes and then reference the medicine wheel explicitly at 4:45. The spinning medicine wheel graphic is introduced at 4:10. Consider starting the graphic at 4:45 when you mention the wheel explicitly. Also consider not using a “spinning graphic” … obvious why it is spinning (it is a wheel) … but it is very interesting to me as a non-indigenous viewer and I would like to see it clearly.
I thought that the “tightrope” graphic at 4:20 and the “gut feel” graphic at 4:28 could be improved … I only kind of get the connection.
The “not nice nymph as predator” graphics come a little early (early 10 minute mark). Consider delaying them to the point when you explicitly reference this later at 10:50.
Same with school graphic. It isn’t clear until later why you are showing a classroom. Comes at 11:17 but isn’t referenced until 11:47.
Thank you again for sharing these teachings and I look forward to hearing further about their use and impact … and to considering further how they might be integrated into other teachings.
I really loved the content and the concept. My only thought is that by reading the content I found it went a little fast and I personally love when the Elders share their wisdom as though in conversation with us all, and it feels as though the emotion and connection of the teller is somehow even more personal.
tansi Vicki and Louise! It’s been great having the initial opportunities to connect over this video.
A) First Reactions: I really enjoyed listening to it…and it did remind me of some things growing up. I loved that.
B) Reminders: While the Anicinabeg (Algonquin) teachings differ in some ways from the Metis (Louise, please accept my sincere apologies if I missed what Nation(s) gave these teachings!) As Anicinabe, I always heard how dragonfly is the grandfather for the insect world…in fact my grandson was named “Dragonfly Man” by my mother before she passed….and my late Kokom used to talk about a time when we lived among the “mici-pijew” (the great cat) and misabimak (the wooly elephant – or mammoth). She used to tell stories of the great snake, the giant Thunderbird, the giant frogs, the big beavers….and of course – the djiagish. We were to treat them with great care – and that like sturgeon….they hold many teachings and much knowledge about life.
Growing up – there were different kinds of dragon flies we were encouraged to allow near us, and others not so much. Therefore, dragonflies were teachers to us humans…and while we did not consider them Elders…we more considered them our relatives who, like the little people and misabe – could travel two worlds.
We were always taught about the different types…and I used to hear some people call them different things like “wolves” or “hunters” and such. They were to be greatly respected and we were NEVER to make fun of or abuse or kill them. To do so was not a good thing. For one to land on you was considered very very fortunate – you were being blessed in more than one way.
C) I think I would use this teaching in the trauma training and in a number of other areas – including in the Suicide training. This teaching Louise shares is beautiful and truly demonstrates the Metis worldview of life, death and procreation. For other groups I walk and work with, I might just share on life and death and maybe not so much about procreation (as I’m not familiar with what the Bible teaches on this other than the “go forth and be many”). I would also consider using this video to highlight more the similarities around the teachings she shares and align it with what I was taught growing up.
D) The video length is great! I love the 15 minutes!
E) I think it would be great to see multiple cultures sharing videos like this! It would be wonderful! My adopted Chinese family have taught me their views on the dragonfly and I’d love to hear what others share about them!
F) Not so much the wording – but I would put in a disclaimer somewhere about how each Indigenous culture will have different teachings on the dragonfly and that this is a (combination of Metis and Cree or Odjibway? – I’m so sorry! I cannot remember!)
G)Yes the teaching and description aligns.
H) This video can be used in the part where we talk about life/death in CRP, and even in Trauma, Lateral Violence and Suicide for starters. It can also be used in the Anxiety, Bullying and Change Management to name a few…there are so many teachings that could come out of this.
For example…when we think of Play Therapy – dragonfly also teaches us about play and freedom. As children growing up – my Kokom and Moshom used to point out to us whenever they (dragon flies) played…and one way they would “play” with us kids is we would race them (they are very fast fliers! Faster than bees)!!! My dad used to drive and “clock” them while they flew beside us – sometimes for many kilometres – and a few times, all the way you our bush camp!! – so we knew as kids they were very agile and effective travellers with lots of endurance (so my family taught us that the dragonfly taught us about perseverance)… but they can also help teach about family violence….and of course self and self sacrifice (which could also fit in the vicarious trauma training).
As a suggestion: what about creating a kind of questions/answer sheet or a kind of discussion sheet that can be shared with Trainers…that are entered around Louise’s teachings here?
Maybe one other suggestion: at minute 6:38 I might suggest introducing a painting/picture of something representing “spirit” – or even insert a video of the Northern Lights dancing (as this was a common shared belief for many Indigenous groups that represented spirits), and at 6:45 – it would be great to have a picture or video of eagles flying and fade into children playing….and then start the dragon fly nymph video at 6:35.
That said….I’m certain other cultures have teachings and it would be great to see these? 🙂 thanks again Louise and Vicki – this was an amazing video!!! You ladies and Luke are awesome. 🙂
Sorry! A few edits:
H) “My dad used to drive and “clock” them while they flew beside us-sometimes for many kilometres-and a few times, all the way to our bush camp!!”
“As a suggestion: what about creating a kind of question/answer sheet or a kind of discussion sheet that can be shared with Trainers…that are centred around Louise’s teachings?”
I wish I could edit my errors – darned dragon speaker and autocorrect. I should have just typed!
Thank you Louise. So much wisdom and so much hope. As I get older, I find myself still searching for myself and yes, I know I’m in there somewhere. I feel that your words will help guide me through that journey. I love the video of the dragonflies, watching them helped me focus on your message, and made me feel hopeful.
Wow, this was wonderful and I feel like it is so timely for many of us in our current journeys. Louise, I feel so fortunate to hear from you again!
I feel like the imagery gets progressively better. I would like to suggest a few swaps of the stock imagery. I feel that a few of the early ones weren’t as impactful as it could be (and I do believe we have a nice collection of stock photos available if you are interested.)
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you Louise – this teaching will transform my relationship with dragon flies! Most importantly, thanks to your self disclosure it was very relatable. I appreciate you sharing so beautifully. “What you change into was always within you” particularly touched me. I also felt reassured by the nymph stage and how you normalized relating to that; we haven’t always been the best versions of ourselves and that is ok.
Thank you to the team that put it together, the music and visuals were lovely. I see some specific feedback about images above and I didn’t disagree.
I look forward to more….
With gratitude and appreciation,
Nadine