The Power of a Dragonfly to Stop

Yesterday, I found a facility in town named "Dragonfly." I'm good at English, but words I don't know always pique my curiosity. When I looked it up, I found that "dragonfly" means "tonbo" (dragonfly). I see, it's a word formed by combining "dragon" and "fly." Dragon and fly... an interesting combination.

In the past, dragonflies were called "victory insects." They were favored in battle because they only move forward, and it seems they were even used on armor. Perhaps dragonflies influenced the design of Kamen Rider too... or maybe it was a grasshopper. But if we're talking about a fighting image, the dragonfly feels more fitting.

The strength of a dragonfly, in my opinion, lies not in its power to move forward, but in the moments when it is "stopped." It's nice when they land on a perch, but the moment they hover in mid-air, I am simply moved. Whether it's push-ups, synchronized swimming, or pantomime, stopping is more difficult and requires more energy.

I, too, am always prepared to take off. But that doesn't just mean running; I also place value on "stopping," "observing," and "smiling," as if gathering strength while hovering in mid-air. It is precisely because I am still that the power to move next becomes stronger. There are views to be seen and energy to be felt by stopping.

Yesterday, I spent the whole day idly thinking about such things, starting from the dragonfly. I am ready to fly. However, stopping is also a testament to strength.

By the way, dragonflies can stop in mid-air, but I still can't. Doing push-ups while hovering in mid-air... just imagining it makes my muscles cry. But I think that very imagination is the preparation for the next flight.

Have you had a moment to just "stop" and be still lately?