Nourishment

 Butterflies don't lay their eggs on just any random plant. Each species of butterfly has a specific host plant, or perhaps a small assortment of host plants, that are the exclusive food plant of the butterfly caterpillar. Without these specific species of host plant available, the adult female butterfly won't lay eggs, and there would be no next generation of butterflies.

One of the most well-known butterfly and host plant combinations is the Monarch Butterfly and the butterfly milkweed plant. Monarch caterpillars munch exclusively on milkweed plants. They start as a tiny egg and within a few weeks have eaten enough milkweed to grow into a full-size caterpillar, ready to find a safe location to transform into a chrysalis, and finally into the next generation of beautiful butterfly.

What feeds you, both in body and soul? Do you have a favorite comfort food? Do you have a daily ritual or routine that makes you feel connected with yourself, with others around you, or with spirituality?

A monarch caterpillar eating milkweed leaves. Photo by L Bowen 2021

A monarch butterfly enjoying milkweed flower nectar. Photo by L Bowen 2021


Comments

  1. Rev. Dr. Rosemary HydeAugust 5, 2022 at 8:48 AM

    -What a beautiful reflection on the amazing and beautiful complexity of the terrestrial life-design!! And you ask a great question about what nourishes and sustains each of us -- what actions, experiences, thoughts, and connections provide MY special mental, physical, and spiritual nourishment!! Thank you, Lizzie!!!

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