Personal spaces

I met a caterpillar

It was doing being-ness on a warm day. Sunbathing on a moss covered rock. Living was it’s prime agenda. It did not look like it was after a specific task or trying to get to a calendar appointment on time. It did have a direction but was hard to predict what it was really after. 

I happened to notice it while I was taking a break from my busy calendar schedule. All I wished for was a moment of peace in the nature. We both shared the space. Initially it wasn’t my concern what the caterpillar did and my interests were purely limited to watching it. It had a shiny red skin and a rhythmic body movement. It was beautiful. Soon it started moving gracefully over the moss on the rock, then through the grass as if it wanted to run away. It moved faster and faster switching directions. 

Directions in business

I have directed several design projects. The procedure is somewhat obvious. There has to be a direction and a goal. Expected outcomes and achievements are reflected in strategy and everyone follows. The caterpillar wasn’t revealing a clear direction where it was heading. That randomness in caterpillar’s behavior raised my curiosity, and I got closer. I had a camera in my pocket with which I also make phone calls.

I couldn’t let the caterpillar get away without giving me something. My mind started exploring the possibilities of how to exploit such a situation. Since I am interested in video filming and photography, it seemed obvious to record this sight and share it on Instagram or other channels where almost every image is liked and applauded.

Perfect opportunity

It was a perfect opportunity to satisfy my ego for attention. By capturing and sharing such a unique moment, I could get appreciation for my video filming skills. These days it’s easy to do so. Any ordinary phone camera can produce decent images and videos. The desire to video film the caterpillar grew stronger. My mind quit assessing the real meaning of such an exercise. At the spur of the moment, everything felt right and harmless. I just wanted nice images to share with others and get their attention. I knew that when people would appreciate my skills, it would feel good. It would make me feel capable and special even though the feeling would eventually last momentarily.  

With arrogance, I moved forward, and started filming the caterpillar. I had the power of technology, size and reach. Nothing could stop me from using the little caterpillar for my ambition. I felt powerful and more important in front of a seemingly insignificant little creature. I followed it in every way I could. From sides, from top, from front and behind. The caterpillar kept doing its thing without noticing me much until I moved too close. I could not give up on this opportunity. I went closer and closer. Details of the caterpillar seemed important. It would also enhance the viewing experience for the viewers. By this time, I had lost my natural curiosity towards observing life to marvel the beauty of an amazing creature. I even lost the reason why I was there in the first place. All I was after was a nice video recording. The closer the better. I was no more inquisitive about the caterpillar’s existence on this planet or the purpose of such a life form. It was all about quality image capture.  

Aggression

The caterpillar sensed my aggression. It started moving faster and in even more random directions. I kept trying to get the best shots. 

Stop it

Then the caterpillar stopped and said – “If I would have come this close to you, you would have killed me!”. I don’t know caterpillar language, yet I assumed how it might have felt. Nothing is permanent in this world and so will be the fate of this video and the caterpillar and myself and also the likes on social media.