INTRODUCTION
The butterfly is an archetype about transformation that is sometimes used to represent resurrection during Easter. In the grief support world, the metamorphosis of the butterfly is a fairly common image about the journey through grief. As articulated in this story, the process is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful.
The butterfly is an archetype about transformation that is sometimes used to represent resurrection during Easter. In the grief support world, the metamorphosis of the butterfly is a fairly common image about the journey through grief. As articulated in this story, the process is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful.
The Butterfly and the Cocoon
(Author Unknown; Story is adapted from this LINK)
Once there was an old and wise butterfly who had a dear friend who was still a caterpillar. The butterfly wanted to keep an eye out for its friend the caterpillar who has yet to go through a metamorphosis.
The old and wise butterfly reminded its friend, the young caterpillar, that its current stage as a caterpillar is temporary, that it will change. First, it will find itself in the dark of the cocoon, but eventually it will emerge out of the dark, changed into a butterfly with beautiful colorful wings that will enable it to fly and achieve freedom. Upon hearing this the caterpillar looked forward to the day when it is able to fly.
(Author Unknown; Story is adapted from this LINK)
Once there was an old and wise butterfly who had a dear friend who was still a caterpillar. The butterfly wanted to keep an eye out for its friend the caterpillar who has yet to go through a metamorphosis.
The old and wise butterfly reminded its friend, the young caterpillar, that its current stage as a caterpillar is temporary, that it will change. First, it will find itself in the dark of the cocoon, but eventually it will emerge out of the dark, changed into a butterfly with beautiful colorful wings that will enable it to fly and achieve freedom. Upon hearing this the caterpillar looked forward to the day when it is able to fly.
As predicted the caterpillar did change, and found itself enclosed in a tight dark cocoon. And then, it began its journey to come out from the dark of the cocoon towards the light. As the caterpillar struggled its way out of a cocoon, it tried to wiggle through a hole, but then it stopped making any progress. The hole was very narrow, and the caterpillar felt anxious about the discomfort and pain while squeezing through a narrow passage.
Desperate, anxious and afraid, the caterpillar spoke to the butterfly: “I cannot go through the narrow passage! I do not want to go through the discomfort and pain! Can you please help me by widening the narrow passage so it is painless and easier for me to go through?"
The old and wise butterfly replied to the caterpillar: “I know it is scary to go through the narrow passage. And I know that it might be uncomfortable and that you might experience some pain; but I want you to know that going through that discomfort is part of the process of your becoming a free and beautiful butterfly."
Desperate, anxious and afraid, the caterpillar spoke to the butterfly: “I cannot go through the narrow passage! I do not want to go through the discomfort and pain! Can you please help me by widening the narrow passage so it is painless and easier for me to go through?"
The old and wise butterfly replied to the caterpillar: “I know it is scary to go through the narrow passage. And I know that it might be uncomfortable and that you might experience some pain; but I want you to know that going through that discomfort is part of the process of your becoming a free and beautiful butterfly."
The old butterfly continues: "As you squeeze through the narrow passage, yes, it will be uncomfortable and somewhat painful. But that tight squeeze will force fluid from your body to your wings, which will then cause your wings to stretch out, and expand, and become large enough to support your body in flight. If you avoid or bypass the uncomfortable experience of squeezing through the hole, if I help you out by widening the hole, your wings will remain limp. Without the fluid from your body going to your wings, your wings will stay shriveled and become useless. You will not be able to fly.”
With this information from its guide and mentor, the caterpillar gathered courage within itself, squeezed through the narrow passage. Yes, it was very uncomfortable, but the narrow passage squeezed fluid from its body to its wings, which then expanded beautifully into butterfly wings.
So the caterpillar became a butterfly. It was able to spread its wings, rise and achieve freedom.
With this information from its guide and mentor, the caterpillar gathered courage within itself, squeezed through the narrow passage. Yes, it was very uncomfortable, but the narrow passage squeezed fluid from its body to its wings, which then expanded beautifully into butterfly wings.
So the caterpillar became a butterfly. It was able to spread its wings, rise and achieve freedom.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Which part of the story did you find the most important? Which part of the story resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- In your life, what could the cocoon really be about?
- What uncomfortable changes did you have to go through, or are going through now?
- And what could the wings really be?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Groups
Script
Spirit Play Materials
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Reflection
Examples
Butterfly Background
Song Slides
SONGS
We Rise (Lyrics/Chords)
Honor the Dark (Lyrics/Chords)
Hymn of Promise (Lyrics/Chords)
Wings of Grace (Lyrics/Chords)
Spirit Play Materials
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Reflection
Examples
Butterfly Background
Song Slides
SONGS
We Rise (Lyrics/Chords)
Honor the Dark (Lyrics/Chords)
Hymn of Promise (Lyrics/Chords)
Wings of Grace (Lyrics/Chords)
