This is a butterfly that came to me on January 31, 2006. The butterfly came to me, crawled into my hand, walked up my arm to where it rested on my neck. She stayed with me for three days and two nights, providing much succor and inspiration to me at a time mourning the sudden death of a dear friend. The butterfly affirmed my experience that trauma is more ease fully healed when there is empathic presence, gentleness and surrender to the mystery. The butterfly reminded me of the transfomative power of supportive community as well as the remembrance that supportive community includes the winged one's, the four-legged's, the plant spirits and all the elements of earth, air, water, fire and ether.
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Transforming Family History, Jan. 20, 2009
This is a photo of my brother Jim and me. On the day that we met these butterflies, we had been working on repairing my home that had earthquake and subsequent flood damage. While the damage was devastating and I was in danger of losing my home, the butterflies kept coming to the garden. On the day of this photo, two butterflies were born. After many "requests" of the freshly birthed butterflies, the butterflies were willing to be held by us! I don't hold one unless it's willing to be held...there is never any forcing a butterfly! Choice is a key element in transforming trauma.
This is a powerful image of healing for me in that my brother and I have spent many years in healing from the violence in our childhood. While the healing is ongoing, this image brings me inspiration and hope. I am moved to quote Maya Angelou, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
This is a powerful image of healing for me in that my brother and I have spent many years in healing from the violence in our childhood. While the healing is ongoing, this image brings me inspiration and hope. I am moved to quote Maya Angelou, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
