Living with Butterflies

In the Butterfly Pavilion at Thanksgiving Point we were living a moment in time with the butterflies. As I was marveling at their fluttering and fragility, I thought of lessons these illusive flying flowers could teach us.

1. Change is always in the air
The caterpillar  does a lot of changing, growing and struggling to emerge as a lovely butterfly. It's not easy work. We see the finished product and marvel at the result. Every worthwhile goal we make takes effort and hard work but in the end it's worth the time because we are smarter, more confident and courageous because of the metamorphosis of our struggle.

Here is where the chrysalis are growing. It's like a butterfly nursery.

2. Letting go
Stepping out of our comfort zone is a difficult thing. Butterflies have to transition, adapt and morph as they transform. We have learned so much from when we were young adults. By learning new techniques and skills we are better glass artists than we were even a few years ago. The great thing is that we can transform many times in our lives, unlike the butterfly. It's never too late to learn from our experiences, let go of unwanted habits and behaviors.

I never got a shot of the blue wings inside but they were magnificent as they flew around our heads.

3. Be approachable as well as mysterious

I saw some children at the pavilion trying to catch the butterflies but were never fast enough. Then once in a while one would land in their hair or on their shirt. If we were very gentle we could coax one to crawl on our finger. They would fly so close we could almost feel a butterfly kiss and then would dart away. When we film our videos we teach so many fun and informative tricks and tips yet there is something about taking a class that is so personal and intimate. 

I loved when they flew and landed together. Sometimes it seemed as though they were dancing.

4. Keep moving forward

The butterfly only lives 2 or 3 weeks after it is an adult, that's not much time for mating, laying eggs and flying around being beautiful. We have so much life within us and are capable of blessing others as we enjoy our sojourn on Earth. Difficult things happen and we find a way to move forward. Spending time in the pavilion reminded me to appreciate the magic and wonder of nature and of each other. There is so much good in the world. When a caterpillar dies, a butterfly is born. When hatred, jealousy and judgement die, love, hope and compassion can live. 

5. It's up to us

The environment of the pavilion was controlled to be the perfect temperature and humidity. If we want creativity to flourish we need to surround ourselves with inspirational people, places and things. If we want to have a better world we need to be kind, show love and forgive ourselves and others. Of all the things I learned from living with the butterflies for a short time my favorite lesson was this, Be gentle, be happy, enjoy the beauty around us and welcome the magic when it lands on our shoulder.