Blueprint for Your Transformation!
One of the greatest benefits of change is that we can determine to do so on purpose. When it comes to creating permanent and positive change there is much we can learn from the Caterpillar.
True change is all about transformation. In the case of the caterpillar, we observe a very important lesson regarding the nature of real change. In order to become a magnificent butterfly it must completely embrace and commit to the process of change.
Unless we are willing to obligate ourselves toward a new way of thinking and becoming, we will always vacillate between where we are now and where we would like to be in the future.
Now as we continue our study of how to change like a caterpillar lets keep in mind several key observations.
The Blueprint Inside
In the same way you would construct a magnificent building by using a precise architectural blueprint the caterpillar teaches us to do the same if we are paying attention. This is another way of saying the essence of transformation begins with the genetic blueprint inside.
The butterfly is inside of the caterpillar. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a caterpillar turn into a butterfly it is a sight to behold! Each could not be more different from the other yet both are necessary in order for the final result to become a reality.
The beginning point until the complete transformation one is generally long and tedious with unexpected twist along the way. The intelligent design of our Creator indicates that before splendor and magnificence can be realized struggle and great effort must take place. Again what we eventually want must be internalized by our vision and a plan inside that guides our desire to change.
We leverage this effort as the fundamental key, which moves us into a one-way direction toward the desired change. It’s a matter of complete and total commitment that does not allow for going back only moving forward. Once a caterpillar begins its journey toward flying away as a beautiful butterfly it never reverses course to return to its previous form.
If we strive to understand and emulate this kind of commitment, just like the caterpillar we will experience true and irreversible change.
Metamorphosis in Action
The internal instinctive plan or blueprint launches the metamorphosis of the caterpillar. As we tap into our vision and dream for ourselves we can do likewise.
The dictionary explains the idea behind metamorphosis as being a change of physical form, structure or substance. When we make a decision for real change we must literally undergo this kind of radical reset from one state of existence to another.
As it pertains to the caterpillar it follows several distinct phases of existence :
Egg – In order for a new magnificent butterfly to come forth it must begin as an egg laid on the underside of a plant leaf. In like manner real and transformational change in human beings must begin with a substantial and tangible idea, which is planted in our mind. Of course an idea or an egg is only the beginning and starting place.
Chrysalis - Next comes the purposeful and perpetual activity, which creates the atmosphere and environment for amazing change. After the egg hatches a tiny creature, the larva (caterpillar) appears and begins a mighty struggle.
When we undergo real change we need to take massive, prolonged, focused action. This is seen in the caterpillar as shedding its skin six times and eating ravenously for the purpose of producing and storing energy!
Obviously the lesson we take is more symbolic here rather than literal in regards to eating :-) However we need to produce the proper and proportioned energy in order to sustain the transformation we seek.
As each layer of skin is discharged a new stronger and more resilient structure is revealed. This process forges the appropriate capability of spinning silk into a cocoon. The term for the new skin is instar.
Like writing a final thesis during a finals project or taking off for your solo flight test exam, a series of repeated smaller steps gives us the courage, confidence and capability to finish in a totally different dimension from where we started.
When the final instar is in position by direction of the blueprint the next phase begins. The larva builds itself a “home“ made completely of silk. This provides the perfect atmosphere for the caterpillar to become the wondrous butterfly!
Realize the Reality
A cocoon home is the perfect environment for the next phase of transformation. Inside this shell of nurture and protection the larva now becomes known as the chrysalis or pupa. In comparison to all previous activity this stage consists of a long steady set of changes that begin to take place over 12 days to two weeks.
Much like as in pregnancy when a woman carries a fetus in the womb. You can see the template and outline of the coming butterfly.
The great mystery of change takes place here just as we humans finally overcome previous failures and breakthrough to heights and levels never before achieved and cannot precisely explain why. Yet nevertheless it is so.
When the change is whole and complete on the inside the full manifestation of metamorphosis is revealed on the outside.
The Pupa phrase gives way to the emergence of the butterfly! After an hour or two of acclimation the new butterfly is ready to leave and enjoy its new life no longer relegated to crawling around but now able to soar and fly!
Once we have reached a smaller or more basic change then we are ready to continue doing the process again and again with greater or more grandeur pursuits!
So today make your decision for the transformation you desire and then go for it like the caterpillar!
StayPos!