I don’t know why but the sight of ladybirds (or ladybugs depending on where you live!) always makes me feel happy. It may be their red colour, their gentle presence, their association with spring and childhood adventures, or their inherent symbolism of love and luck. Whatever it is, my heart leaps with joy whenever I see one. I even prefer them to the majestic grace of butterflies that bring such beauty to my outside lawn in the summer. Maybe the ladybird expresses a vulnerability that connects with my inner being, the part of me that wants to hide in the tall grasses and trees and surrender to the wildness of my own nature. It reminds me that spirituality is as much physical as it is ethereal, that I need to be grounded before I can embrace true groundlessness and freedom. Its red and black shell clearly visible as it sits calmly on a grass stem, undeterred by my presence, it expresses the innocent beauty of being. Maybe its radiant red colour connects with my deeper wisdom that we are each a tiny yet incredible spark of heart-filled grace on this Earth.