May 2026
How the Colours of the Rainbow Came Together
Listen to the audio version by Dorothy
Welcome to May's Innisfree Moment. May has often been referred to as "the Merry Month of May", and what is more merry, and magical, than a rainbow, especially when it's a double one, arcing across the sky?
In the early days of my career, when fax messages were in vogue, my office received a daily inspirational message that was posted on a notice board. The following is a favourite I had retained. Although my earlier searches could not locate its author, I'm happy to say that with the passage of time and updated technology, I recently identified a close version, indicating the author and source as: Anne Hope, 1978, The Story of the Rainbow, based on an Indigenous Legend.
It's a story that is a key metaphor for mindfully living in harmony with others. Slightly abbreviated from my original fax copy, it goes like this:
Once upon a time, long long ago, the colours in the world started to quarrel; each claimed that she was the best, the most important, the most useful, the favourite. Green said "I am the sign for life and hope, I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves". Blue interrupted, reminding them that it was the sea and sky that brought peace. Yellow chuckled: "I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world, and without me there would be no fun". Orange reminded them that she provided beautiful orange vegetables and filled the sky with dazzling sunrises and sunsets.
So they continued, with Red shouting that he was the ruler and represented bravery, passion and the red rose, whereupon Purple asserted that he had Royal status, so people listened and obeyed. Then Indigo - quietly, but determined, said they would be superficial without her, as she provided silence, balance and inner peace.
As they continued their loud boasting, each convinced of their superiority, there was a flash of bright lightening! Thunder rolled and boomed! Rain poured down relentlessly! The colours crouched down, fearful! Then Rain spoke: "You foolish colours, fighting amongst yourselves, trying to dominate one another. Don't you know that you are each unique and different, made for a special purpose? Join hands with one another. From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of colour as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow will be a sign of hope for tomorrow.
English poet, John Donne (1572 - 1631) left us his often-quoted words: No man is an island, entire of itself; every man[woman] is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
As we go into this new month, let's reflect on the strengths that make each of us unique. When we get stuck, let's have the courage to reach out for support. I'm finding that friends and neighbours love to provide support. Just recently my office ceiling lightbulbs went out. Knowing that standing on my stepstool without holding on for support could be a disaster waiting to happen, I asked my tall neighbour to replace them. He did, able to reach the ceiling easily, and we had a chatty visit. Plus, an added bonus: I bought newer LED ones that will last longer, and my office is now much brighter.
These longer daylight hours are an ideal time to enjoy being outdoors in Nature. Perhaps, when you see a Rainbow, think of our story, and how each of the colours learned that they had a special purpose, accepted their differences and came together in peace ... and so can we!
I wish you the joys of spring. Until next time, take good care of yourself. Blessèd be to you. Namasté!
Dorothy B.
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Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
Apt. 202 - 1655 Martin Drive
Surrey, BC, V4A 6E1, Canada
604-535-9016
info@innisfreespirit.com