How to summon your inner hero to let positive transformation happen and get back to feeling good. By Terez Hartmann The story is as old as time immemorial: A quest/challenge is issued, a hero accepts and goes forth, and somehow, some way, he or she manages to beat the odds and emerge victorious! Why do we enjoy these epic movies and stories so much? In addition to seeking entertainment and distraction, I believe that these classic tales remind us that no matter how dire, final, or impossible things may appear in the moment, there is always a way that they can and do work out. And when you stop to think about your own life, would you still be here if this were not the case? I know from personal experience that when I have found my way into deep, dark spaces during times when everything was changing around me, often any kind of encouraging words uttered with the purest of intentions sounded like nothing more than “blah, blah, blah...” And honestly, there rarely is anything that anyone can say or do to help you bust out of the funk-fest until YOU are ready to do so. How do you summon your inner hero to let positive transformation happen and get back to feeling good sooner rather than later? While there are many paths of least resistance and different things work better at different times, consider a few pearls of wisdom from one of nature’s heroes, who has mastered the art of survival and transformation over a span of 40 to 50 million years: The butterfly!
Thriving in Every Stage
Butterflies experience four distinct stages of life that each call for different intentions at different times, and I have noticed that every time I have been ready to upgrade my career, relationships, projects, self, or even my moments in time, thinking and acting in harmony with (rather than pushing against) the energy of the moment has been extremely helpful. Just like a caterpillar would not climb to the
top of the highest tree, say, “Hey y’all watch this!” and then try to fly before its transformation, there really IS a season for everything. What if, like the butterfly, you decide that wherever you stand right now is valuable, that there are positives to be found in EVERY step of your journey, and that the more you relax into the knowing that change is the nature of life, the sooner you can get back to feeling good? Try these stages on for size and see what rings true for you. Regardless of where you are, it really is all good!
The Egg Stage
A new seed and tiny spark of pure potential has been planted and will soon see the light of day! As the new being within prepares for hatching, its shell nurtures and protects it. The egg is connected to the underside of a leaf with incredibly powerful natural glue applied by its parents, creating a strong and stable environment to facilitate its birth. This being is entering into a clean slate, and, though it has only started to dream of what it could become, this tiny being has one clear mission and focus— simply to be born and to emerge when the time is right. Ideas for thriving in this stage: This is an opportunity to create and experience something fresh and new, so keep your vibe light and be open and willing to allow feel-good ideas to hatch when the time is right! Create and inhabit welcoming spaces for work, relationships and your day-to-day life. Give your home/living space some love. Play! Have fun! Follow your muse and remember that the first manifestation is always emotion. If you’re feeling groovy on a consistent basis, something amazing is about to pop.
The Caterpillar Stage
The egg has hatched and look out world, here it is! This being has legs, is not afraid to use them, and is propelled forward by a powerful desire to explore the earth and chow down! The caterpillar happily sorts through the buffet of life to discover its personal favorites, and if you’ve ever seen a caterpillar, you know that they too are extraordinary, colorful and beautiful in their own right. Ideas for thriving in this stage: It’s good to be a caterpillar. This is a time of great activity and energy, so roll with it! Get out and live life to the fullest, listen to the call of inspired action and adventure. Sip, sample, and savor the great buffet of life, making a note of what you enjoy and what really feels good to you! Rather than force or “motivate” yourself into action, let love lead the way. Feelings of clarity and high energy will let you know you’re on to something awesome, so if it feels groovy, do it. If you
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