Metamorphosis
Chrysalis is the stage at which the caterpillar wounds itself into a cocoon and after a few stages in its lifecycle which we know as metamorphosis emerges the most beautiful, colourful, winged creature we have ever seen. As humans we all do metamorphose in our lives.
There are physiological changes and changes in our status. And then there are psychological changes. The one who comes out of this with a smile or at least deals with a 'chin up' attitude is the one who has 'metamorphosed'!
The period of transit during an individual's metamorphosis can be pure hell or pure heaven. If any change is serious enough to alter a person's life it will require huge adjustments in the thinking and living style for that person. This can even be traumatic. But if one understands the process, the fight to survive can be a flight to freedom!
Psychological metamorphosis has four phases and the strategy to deal with them depends on the stage one is at.
At the dissolving stage comes a complete change in identity. But we live in denial, trying to retreat into our formal self. On the other extreme we do things on rebound, on an impulse. Living for now, for today, cocooning yourself, seeking comfort from the people you can trust, talking to others who have gone through a metamorphosis themselves are all coping strategies.
"If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." Thomas Edison
At the conceiving stage, your mind needs to conceive or imagine what you need to do in order to be the NEW you. And if you listen to your mind you will discard or delete all that seems wrong or out of place or even reinvent yourself. Let your imagination be spontaneous and not planned. Cut out pictures; make collages of what impresses you, of what inspires you. Dream about what the outcome will look like for you.
"The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of hell, and a hell of heaven." John Milton
At the remodelling stage you give yourself a makeover. The part of you that was old, obsolete has dissolved and the new imaginary you is taking shape. You need to expect things to go wrong; don't worry about it. Be willing to start over. Persevere. Believe in yourself. You have come this far - don't give up now. Just give that final push.
"If we see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." Gautama Buddha
The final phase of flying signals the arrival of the butterfly - ready to explore, experiment, and if required take on the world. So bring on the celebrations. Savour the new found identity. Accept compliments graciously. Make small improvements. It is easy to get carried away by the outcome. Be prepared for another change. Change is inevitable - in life, in nature, in the universe. But this time around you sure will know how to cope.
"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." Wayne Gretzky
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