Butterfly

Metamorphosis: Butterfly

To me, the concept of evolvement is inherently alchemic – that is one of transmutation from one state to another state – a more refined, higher vibrational state. And as our thoughts, consciousness, vibrations, sensations and experiences transmute – we are at the heart of this alchemic process … that is our spirit.

My favorite metaphor for this process is that of a butterfly in metamorphosis.
It goes like this:
“Metamorphosis is more than just transformation. It is the transmutation from one state of being to another. A coming into being of something new. The archetypal paradigm in the nature kingdom is the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly, but there are many other such examples. In Egyptian mythology the scarab beetle is chosen instead of the butterfly, but the basic idea is the same.” (M.Alan Kazlev http://www.kheper.net)

I like to use the metaphor of the butterfly – and just as the butterfly is synonymous with metamorphosis so too, our journey … a journey of evolvement.

The butterfly metaphor is particularly useful when trying to describe the alchemic processes. Elisabet Sahtouris has captured the idea perfectly: “Inside a cocoon, deep in the caterpillar’s body, tiny things biologists call ‘imaginal disks’ begin to form. Not recognizing the newcomers, the caterpillar’s immune system snuffs them. But they keep coming faster and faster, then begin to link up with each other. Eventually the caterpillar’s immune system fails from the stress and the disks become imaginal cells that build the butterfly from the meltdown of the caterpillar’s body. If we see ourselves as imaginal discs working to build the butterfly of a better world, we will also see how important it is to link with each other in the effort, to recognize how many different kinds of imaginal cells it will take to build a butterfly with all its capabilities and colors.”

Imagine butterfly, imagine beetle.
Just say yes, and do it.
Only connect.
Your spirit is waiting.
Your new you is ready to emerge.

Change – yeah yeah it can be scary

Direct the Flow of Change

… And Create the Life You Want

 Everything is in a state of flux; it is the natural order of things – one of the principles of the universe – a law of physics – part of a soul’s journey. Indeed everything changes continuously, everyone experiences change – the ‘self initiated’ change OR the ‘imposed upon us’ change. Change is quite simply something we cannot escape, avoid, or live without for it is integral to life and growth – it is the essential nature of reality.

 Change – the Inevitable

 “Change is inevitable – unquestionable … the question is, do you accept change passively or take the lead and direct its flow …”

 Change can be a time of tumultuous activity, emotions, and instability which has the potential to throw us off balance. For most, we understand that without change the process of evolvement or ‘newness’ cannot occur. However, in saying that – change can create unsteadiness, evoke fear, throw out our equilibrium or just plain de-rail us! And it is at this point that rather than surrender to, or embrace change, we have the tendency to dig our heels in, run for cover or tremble in our boots. The more we come to understand that change is inevitable leaves us feeling helpless, not in control and powerless in its wake.

 Yes – everything is in a state of flux! Yes – often times it is as though it is entirely out of our control! Yes – change is a natural state of life and growth! The good news is – whilst change is inevitable – we have the power to direct the flow!

 Daisaku Ikeda (Buddhist and founder of several educational, cultural and research institutions) wrote – “Buddhism holds that everything is in constant flux. Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes with our own initiative. While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night, and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning, and birth.”

 If it is so that everything is in a state of flux, this notion does not predispose a counter-notion that we are therefore at the mercy of change. Rather, and imperatively so, (and as purported by this great man Daisaku Ikeda in the previous quote), we can be creative – GET creative – and use the power of our inherent creativity to direct the flow of change. Ah … do I hear gasps in response to my use of inherent? Yes … I unequivocally assert inherently! We are all inherently creative by virtue of being part of the essence of creativity itself – Spirit and Nature. And so, we can use the power of our inherent creativity to direct the flow of change.