It started with a small miracle — tiny praying mantises hatching near my doorstep. Each was no bigger than my pinky finger. I watched them climb walls, beginning their long journey into life. Praying mantises begin life in an ootheca, a foamy egg case that can hold up to a hundred eggs.
The case hardens to protect them through winter. When spring warmth comes, it cracks open, and tiny mantises emerge. They have no wings yet, but their tiny bodies are ready for survival. Seeing this felt like watching quiet magic unfold. Even small, mantises are skilled hunters.
They eat flies, mosquitoes, and aphids, helping gardens stay healthy. With nearly 360° vision and lightning-fast strikes, they show patience and focus. Each movement is careful, precise, and graceful. Watching them reminded me of stillness. In many cultures, the mantis is a symbol of mindfulness and calm.
These little creatures teach us to pause, look closely, and value small wonders. Life does not always announce itself with noise. Sometimes it moves quietly, in tiny steps. The hatchlings climbed walls, explored leaves, and took in the world around them. Their journey was a small story of growth, courage, and patience. Even in our busy lives, we can learn from them. Nature is full of lessons if we stop to see them. The praying mantis may be small, but it carries a world of meaning, showing that even the tiniest life can teach us about focus, patience, and quiet strength.
