Three Things Grasshoppers Showed Me

We’ve had quite a warm summer and the days of early autumn are seemingly lingering in the upper temperature stats. As a result of all of this warmth (not to mention vegetation in my front yard), I have been visited by three grasshoppers this summer (one of them in the picture to your right). The third one, I saw today, and my intuition regarding this third visit has driven me to observe more closely again if there is a deeper reason for their attraction to me.

Part of my heritage is Native American, primarily Sioux and Cherokee (as far as what I know). I gravitate heavily towards feathers and the ancient Kemetic Nsubit, Ma’at, who defines justice, peace, harmony, reciprocity, truth, righteousness and balance. Ma’at is also represented by a feather. Understanding this, I was moved to do some slight research on Native American totems, and to see what it meant to have grasshopper “medicine” or more specifically, what the visitation of grasshoppers represent.

I was very pleased to recognize three areas where I resonated fully with the symbolic representation of grasshoppers. These three areas include (1) paying more close attention to my inner voice, (2) taking a leap of faith without fear and (3) maintaining balance. All three of these areas are prevalent and very pertinent to my present situations.

As I reflect back on what was occurring in my life during the first two visits from these insects, I realize I was dealing with some of the same issues that have recently come to a head in these three areas yet again. Looking back on this, it’s not surprising that I received and additional visit from another one, as if it was saying, “Hey! Don’t forget me. Don’t forget what you’re supposed to be doing. I’ve come to show you what’s happening. Last time, you paid attention, but not enough and brushed us off as coincidence. I see you’re right back where you were before, and I’ve come to say enough is enough!”

So, here’s what I learned. In the area of listening to my inner voice, I’ve come to realize that I haven’t been loving myself enough. I’ve been unselfishly giving to others while forgetting or purposely not giving to myself. My intuition speaks very loudly, and when I don’t listen, I wind up putting myself in compromising situations that hurt me. I’ve wrestled with feelings of having to be needed and putting my self-worth in how I can help people. On one hand, this is great, but on the heavier hand, my inner voice has painfully told me to love myself more, which is not selfish or inconsiderate. This time, I’m listening, and it feels better.

Regarding the leap of faith, this is two fold. It’s primarily around personal relationships; what my capacity should be. Should I stay in a certain “role” in a relationship, or should my role change? The leap of faith has to take place one way or the other, and so far, I’ve decided to make the change, which is also what the grasshopper suggests. More specifically, quoted from the resource is the following: “Remember, only life becomes more difficult when we refuse to leap forward into the magic of change.” This was huge to me.

Finally, the last lesson I learned is to be careful of being taken advantage of. Grasshoppers can become very destructive when it seems like they can’t get enough food. Similarly, people can also be the same way—like locusts sucking up energy, resources, and time—holding expectations of you. The visit from the grasshoppers suggested that I take inventory of those around me that may be too demanding of my time, space, and energy. They suggest that I pay attention to who is taking from me and not contributing. I was reminded to ask myself these questions, and make necessary changes.

I will not forget that two of these amazing creatures came to me first, bringing to my attention all of the above as it was taking place. I glanced and considered the ideas. Now, a month or two later, when all three situations have heightened and have manifested, the other one came today, reminded me to pay more close attention, and sealed the deal for the decisions I’ve recently made in my favor around all three areas.

I thank you grasshoppers for your patience.

I write this in appreciation of you.

October 5th, 2007