The Lesson of the Butterfly Part 2

 In Part 1 of this series we discussed the first two stages in the metamorphosis of the butterfly. You can still read the The lesson of the butterfly Part 1 in our website archive.We will now proceed to the last two stages; 

1

The Pupa Stage (The Stage of Inactivity)

At a point in the life of the caterpillar, it will start to form a cyst or cocoon about itself. The caterpillar after having fed enough to withstand the encystment period will now look for a secluded place where it will form a hard-like dry substance around itself in which it will remain till it is ready to emerge.

Inside the cocoon, the pupa will be growing and transforming at the same time. The pupa will continue to grow to the point where its size will now break open the cocoon. That is when the young adult butterfly is ready to emerge.

What significance does this stage portray in our life? We know that hibernation is a natural phenomenon that rejuvenates nature and gives it fresh strength and vitality.

Winter is a period of hibernation

Sleep is a period of hibernation

Pregnancy is a period of hibernation, etc.

The major characteristics of hibernation are inaction, dullness and inert-like nature of life.

We all know that every idea generation, work and mission always reaches a point where it seems that everything and everybody tend to come to a standstill. It can be so frustrating and confusing. But the thing is that during the pupa stage, you have little or no control over what is happening at the ideas, works, missions and what have you. God, Nature, Universe or whatever you call it has taken charge of the development.

Then in order to protect you, he will form a hard crust around you and induce in you a deep sense of peace and tranquility in preparation of the emergence of the Adult Butterfly.

Wonder why everywhere is covered with ice during the winter.

2      The Adult (The Stage of Struggle and Responsibility) –

The emergence of the adult butterfly is not a smooth process. When the pupa is inside the cocoon, it is busy growing and expanding in size. At a point, the cocoon will no longer contain its size and it will crack. Then the young butterfly will start to emerge.

Due to the fact that the cocoon is made up of hard, elastic substance, the young adult will have to force its way out of the cocoon.

I will use an experience to illustrate my point.

I am one that one of my hobbies is watching and observing people and nature. It makes me feel alive.

So one day, I was just sitting outside when I saw a butterfly that is struggling to emerge from the cocoon. It seems as if the cocoon is tightly strapped to the thorax of the butterfly. The butterfly was struggling so hard to set itself free from the stronghold of the cocoon and the cocoon is reluctant to lose its hold.

While I was watching this drama, I felt pity for the suffering of the butterfly, for as it was struggling to come out, it was also struggling from not being eaten by the ants. It was such a struggle. In order to make it easier for the butterfly, I took the cocoon - strapped butterfly and use a small scissors to break off the cocoon from the butterfly.

Wow! I have set the butterfly free.

But wait a minute! The butterfly is no longer struggling and the butterfly cannot fly. It just lay there till the hungry ants came and carried it to their hole.

What have I done?!

Did I help the butterfly or did I arrest its development?

I was filled with anguish and regrets. This propelled me to do a research on the development of the butterfly.

And this is what I discovered.

When the pupa is still inside the cocoon, some of its body was developing with the exception of the wings. When the butterfly is emerging, the cocoon that was strapped at its thorax is a mechanical process which sends a signal, causing chains of chemical reactions inside the butterfly that leads to the activation of the enzymes responsible for the formation of the wings.

This emergence can last for hours depending on the specie of the butterfly. When it finally emerges, the butterfly will seek out a dry and secluded place where it will rest till its wings get dry.

That is when I learn't that struggle accompanies the emergence of anything, whatsoever and it is very vital to growth, just like squeezing an orange release the juice.

IN CONCLUSION

The lesson of the butterfly, like all other lessons of nature, is inexhaustible. But one thing we have to bear in mind is that;

Whatsoever we are looking for

Whatsoever we are experiencing

Whatsoever question we have

Whatsoever answers that we seek

All have been provided for, IN NATURE.