The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore
The butterfly effect is describes the phenomena in chaos theory when a small seemingly insignificant event creates a cascading series of outcomes with a different result than might otherwise have occurred. It goes something like this, a tiny event at one place (the flutter of a butterfly’s wings) in a complex system may contribute to significant effects elsewhere in the ecosystem. A person jogging in Boise, Idaho alters the air current which inevitably causes a hail storm in Bavaria.
A quote sometimes attributed to Margaret Mead says it in a similar way, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
A smile? A cheerful wave? Holding the door for someone? Writing a thank you note?
What is your butterfly effect?
Agrigirl's Blog 
gmomj
/ March 29, 2011I needed that.
I can get out of bed now.
Thanks!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011Thanks for reading Gmom. Glad I could get your day started.
Jane
/ March 29, 2011I like starting my day with a thought prompt. Thanks, Tammy, for getting the mind churning!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011I try to do that too Jane. And even if my mind doesn’t return to it during the day, I feel more grounded.
Cindy
/ March 29, 2011This is just what I needed, thanks.
My own butterfly effect is a secret sandwich, left where someone hungry will find it while it is still fresh.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011That is a perfect butterfly effect Cindy!
herbanlifestyle
/ March 29, 2011Lovely thoughts and equally lovely images. Thank you for sharing!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011Thanks Herban. I’m in your neck of the woods.
herbanlifestyle
/ April 5, 2011Sorry. I just noticed that you took those pictures at the Smithsonian! Too bad we didn’t have a chance to meet up over coffee or something!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 5, 2011Herban,
I did think about you and wonder. I also met someone there who would be a great contact for you and your products.
louis
/ March 29, 2011recently came back from a trip to South America and have idea how difficult is to take decent photo of a butterfly, didnt happen to me 😦
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011On my way to South America so looking forward to trying to capture some more.
Paula Tohline Calhoun
/ March 29, 2011Oh Tammy! How dare you outdo me on butterfly photos!
😀 I’m a bit embarrassed by mine now! I am amazed that you were able to capture one of the sulphur butterflies with open wings! They tend to be closed-wing types, and VERY sksittish, unless this is a variety that I don’t know about! The Tiger Swallowtails were abundant around our yard last year, but by the time I decided to start phoographung them, they looked a bit worse for the wear – tattered wings and such. But no matter, they are so beautiful!
The quotation is absolutely perfect for me, expecially considering what I and my family are going through right now, so once again, your timing is perfect.
BTW, I saw my first Tiger Swallowtail of the season just two days ago, but it flitted by me quickly, and I had no camera with me at the time. I think it was a bit confused, because none of its favorite nectar sources have bloomed yet. It probably caught a wind from the South, and ended up here by mistake! At least it gives me hope for the coming season, because I am determined to continue to improve with my photography. The beginning of my second year with the art and craft begins in a couple of weeks, and I’m still in love with it! I’ll start butterfly-hunting soon, because the Spring Azures are due to arrive any day now.
I’m considering taking a net with me this year, and freezing temporarily some of the closed-wing varieties. I have learned that it is very safe for them, and they recover without injury. I’ll try it once, maybe, to test and see. Have you ever done this?
Beautiful post, and I so thank you for sharing with all of us out here in the blogosphere.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011Paula,
I’m embarrassed to tell you that I took these with a blackberry and was surprised at how good they turned out. These are my first photos of butterflies so I have no experience. And I have to tell you that when I selected the quote. I thought of you.
Paula Tohline Calhoun
/ March 30, 2011Good grief, Tammy, don’t be embarrassed! That’s fantastic! My little antique cell-phone takes photos, but nothing like that! I have managed to get viceroy “flutterbys” to land on my hand, but I can’t take photos, since I have to photograph one-handed – which leaves me with “Look Ma! No hands!” 😀
When I saw that quote, I figured I’ll have to find a way to include it in my blog. I might start requesting “enough” quotes to use as tag-lines occasionally instead of my own! It’s an idea you prompted! Thanks!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 31, 2011I’m happy to be your inspiration.
Luana
/ March 29, 2011Tammy,
This has left me with tears in my eyes … because in a sense we are the butterfly ~ Created so sensitive, sweet, kind, and loving from something so beautiful and tender. Then … thru the chaos of the energy of others who have lost their ‘butterfly’, we strive to continue to be sensitively sweet and unconditional, perhaps reminding them thru our actions.
My butterfly effect is giving a loving, sincere, soulful massage treatment to my clients. Sometimes they are complete strangers, with whom I do not have a ‘relay’ tionship with and still I touch them like I have known them forever always having had a loving and respectful relationship with them.
Thank you for reminding me of my ‘butterfly’ effect today … I am honored.
Luana
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011Great analogy to your own work Luana and yes, I confirm, that you have a butterfly effect.
Bonnie
/ March 29, 2011What a sweet posting Tammy. Love the message and love the photos. Did you take those!
My favorite butterfly effect is sending cards. I just love writing messages on beautiful cards knowing that the person receiving it will feel cherished.
Thank you and have a great day!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011I took them yesterday in that Museum of Natural History in DC.
Carol Ann Hoel
/ March 29, 2011How lovely and how true! The little things we say or do make a difference that we may not detect now or ever, yet a small act of kindness or a spoken phrase initiates its respective wave in the sea of life. How do we know what influence our word or deed, through time and the purpose of God, may begin?
Thank you for your insightful post. Great butterfly photos! Blessings to you, Tammy…
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011Great comment Carol. You’re right about the unknown element of time.
Heather
/ March 29, 2011Tammy, great thought and pictures. They remind me of the butterfly pavilion in Westminster CO. It was my daughters favorite place as a child.
My Butterfly effect is to always say yes when asked to help.
Have a beautiful day!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011We have a seasonal pavilion in the SW but I think the one in DC is a regular feature of the Natural History Museum.
nrhatch
/ March 29, 2011Gorgeous post, photos, quotes, and sentiment. Thanks, Tammy.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011You are welcome.
kateshrewsday
/ March 29, 2011What an encouraging message!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011It was a quickie post but very fitting given the butterfly photos that I was able to get.
Kami
/ March 29, 2011It’s funny that you post about this – my husband was just talking about the butterfly effect this past weekend. But he was moaning about snow instead of thinking positively!
I had never thought of the butterfly effect in such a positive way before – I love that slant on it!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2011I agree that it’s often thought of in a negative manner. Spread the word that it can be positive.
Hannah
/ March 29, 2011This post made me smile to myself in my office. Thank you for that.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 30, 2011Hopefully the significant outcome will be a wonderful day for you.
Loving Husband
/ March 29, 2011Reminds me of the time that my connecting flight out of San Francisco to Philadelphia was delayed 15 minutes (an insignificant event?). It was just enough time for you to make the flight, which you would have otherwise missed, and sit next to me. Chaos theory holds true – we got married, bought a house and had three excitable boys. And now life is chaos!
Happy (significant) Birthday dear Tammy!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 30, 2011Ah shucks! You remembered both the butterfly effect and today.
Amy @ Soul Dipper
/ March 30, 2011Too true, Tammy. I can just do it…whatever “it” is needed in front of me.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 30, 2011Yes, whatever “it” is needed.
Auburn Meadow Farm
/ March 30, 2011Those are pretty amazing photos – Blackberry should pay you for the demo, lol.
Along the same lines, I thought this project was really inspiring: http://hipgirlshome.com/blog/2011/2/4/thank-you-letter-mail-mob.html
I miss personal snail mail…….
Tammy McLeod
/ March 30, 2011I loved personal snail mail too and can’t think of how long ago it was that I received a hand penned letter. Maybe time to write one! I’ll check out the hip girl.
Estrella Azul
/ March 30, 2011Rings so true, mine is a genuine act of kindness from a total stranger, a question from a friend when I least expect it, a hug just because… and many other things 🙂
Oh, and I won’t leave without mentioning how BEAUTIFUL those butterflies are!!!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 31, 2011Thanks Estrella. It’s a common language.
Ollin
/ March 30, 2011Thanks for the reminder. In fact, you hit on one of the big themes of the novel I’m working on. I so wish more people thought like you Tammy.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 31, 2011Thanks Ollin. Interesting that the butterfly effect is often portrayed negatively while we can flip it into a very positive light.
Robin
/ March 30, 2011Beautiful post. Thank you. 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ March 31, 2011You’re welcome.
gweneverenewell
/ March 31, 2011“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
An absolutly beautiful quote for a beautiful post. Thank you for making me smile, I believe this wholeheartedly and hope that this inspires all who read it to change a small part of their world.
milkayphoto
/ April 1, 2011One of my favorite things about summer are the butterflies. They instantly cheer up a garden the moment you spot them. I love photographing them! You’ve done a beautiful collage….making me long for summer all the more.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 1, 2011Getting a photography compliment from you means everything!
Todd Pack
/ April 1, 2011Nice pictures, Tammy. I wonder sometimes whether the butterfly effect really works with acts of kindness — I think sometimes people take kindness for granted — but it sure works with acts of surliness. Someone’s rude to you, puts you in a bad mood so you’re rude to someone else, and so on and so on.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 1, 2011Oh Todd! You have to believe it before it works. Clearly the surliness effect works as you have noted but flip it around and take note. I have a friend locally who is doing a program called 21 days of giving and she has been amazed at the compound effect of her gifts. Believe!
ekcarmel
/ April 1, 2011Wonderful photographs and a lovely quote!
Today, I think my butterfly effect was the hugs I gave my two daughters before going to school. They both were feeling down about one thing or another. While I hugged them, separately, about an hour apart, each one gave that little sigh of contentment (it just made my day!) that I’m hoping means the hugs perked them up a bit!
You always have something interesting and thought-provoking, Tammy! That’s why I wanted to give you a blog award. You’ll find it here http://ekcarmel.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/yes-im-a-procrastinator/
Tammy McLeod
/ April 1, 2011What a lovely gesture – both the hugs and the blog award! I’ll have to give it quite a bit of thought though before passing it along as eloquently.
Crystal
/ April 3, 2011I am a huge believer in this principle. The idea is mentioned in the film The Secret where they were able to curb violence in a major US city by simply all meditating and holding good thoughts. What a difference we can make to this planet!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 3, 2011I haven’t seen that movie but that sounds really interesting.
OysterCulture
/ April 3, 2011Great post and reminder that sometimes its the simple little things that make the big differences. Last week mine was adding some change to someone’s parking meter that was about to expire, not sure if that really counts through.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 4, 2011That’s a perfect effect and one that the driver will likely never know about!
Kimberly Hosey (Arizona Writer)
/ April 3, 2011I love this. My day is nothing but butterfly effects, sometimes. I get really preoccupied with how interconnected everything is with everything else. It’s not anything magical or paranormal, but the “ripple effects” of even the smallest things are really pretty amazing sometimes.
Gorgeous butterfly images, of course.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 4, 2011Being obsessed with how connected everything is – is not a bad way to be!
shrinkingthecamel
/ April 4, 2011All right. It’s the moments when we get out of our own heads and look around at the needs of others when we can have that effect. Even if we don’t see the outcome.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 4, 2011That’s right – it’s about thinking of others first.
Awakening Tempest
/ April 4, 2011This is fantastic, I am always in the belief that ‘if you want to make a change then you be the change’ – this is a powerful reminder how we all can make our existence a more powerful peace loving one.
Good stuff
Tammy McLeod
/ April 4, 2011Thanks for visiting. Come back again sometime.
Llanes
/ April 9, 2011Tammy: I’ve been overly occupied over the past few weeks and have not kept up with your blog, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your post. While the butterfly effect is random in the outcomes it produces, the principle applies. Just getting back from Egypt it is obvious there how the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia, has changed this oldest of old societies in an unpredictable way. One of my students in discussing the events in Egypt made a comment, meant to be funny, but which you would just love. “The reason was that Bouazizi was a vegetable vendor, had he been a butcher I don’t think anyone would have heard about it.” Egyptian humor requires a heavy dose of cultural background before it makes sense.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 9, 2011That is hilarious. Thanks for catching up with me. I thought you might enjoy the Culture post as well.
Kathy Nolte
/ April 11, 2011Wow – what great pictures Tammy! Now I’m so excited to be going to the Museum of Natural History this Thursday on a field trip w/Anna – I’m going to have to make sure the kids go see the butterflies!
Here’s an interconnectedness quote I came across recently – “The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” – Frederick Buechner
I’ve vowed to be cheerful and upbeat no matter what w/all of our customer calls – even the knuckleheads…Also thinking about starting to include inspirational quotes in the packages we ship – who knows how that might change someone’s day…?
Tammy McLeod
/ April 11, 2011That’s a great quote and a very fun idea. Why not include quotes in the packages? You never know what life you may touch.
sartenada
/ April 15, 2011My butterfly effect is that I give a smile to unknown person and say hello when I am hiking on forest path.
Now I wait that my smile goes round the world and some unknown person give it to. Then it continues…
gospelwriter
/ April 24, 2011Beautiful photo! I love that Tagore quote – nature has much to teach us, if we but pay attention.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 24, 2011Thank you. I agree – and take time to listen.
suzicate
/ August 9, 2011Absollutely gorgeous butterfly photos. And you even got a luna moth. I notice the third on the top row looks similar to a luna moth but is yellow, even has same markings…do you know what it is? Just curious.
Tammy
/ August 9, 2011I actually thought that it was just another luna moth with more lighting and taken from the opposite side.