If a Caterpillar Can Do It, You Can Too

There is a caterpillar growing on a dill plant in the backyard.

Each day I get to play “Where’s Waldo” and locate where he has moved to. I have seen him eating and growing. 

This is really exciting for my roommate and I because a few weeks ago we had baby caterpillars all over the dill plant. And then we watched as hornets attacked and killed them. 

Neither of us were aware that hornets attacked caterpillars, but we watched the carnage happen right before our eyes. I will spare you the gory details, but it was the equivalent of a nature-based version of a “Saw” movie.

And yet, this is the cycle. Some caterpillars grow until they become big enough to turn to butterflies. And some die gruesome deaths. It’s all balanced by nature.

Caterpillars and butterflies are commonly used as metaphors for embracing change. We even used it in coach training to talk about the different phases of change. 

Phase 1 - the caterpillar goes into the cocoon and dissolves into goo. It must completely dissolve its physical form. For us humans, this is that point where you feel like you have been thrust into a change and everything feels awful. This could be a change you initiated like planning to get pregnant or did not choose like getting fired from your job.

Phase 2 - the caterpillar begins to restructure its molecules in preparation of becoming a butterfly. In our lives, this phase is when you begin to dream about what life will be like after this change. What do you want it to be like? 

Phase 3 - the caterpillar begins to change form into the butterfly. And it develops strength by pushing against the walls of the cocoon until it breaks through. Phase three is when you start doing the work towards your goals. It is hard work, often more difficult and time consuming than expected. And that’s ok! This is how you build strength. 

Phase 4 - the butterfly is out of the cocoon and is free to fly! In this part of the phase, you get to reap the rewards of all your hard work and efforts! Enjoy the ride! Keep asking yourself “How good can things get?”

As I reflected on my backyard caterpillar, I had to ask myself, “what phase covers the caterpillars who died?” 

In my opinion, it’s a hidden part of the cycle. I don’t think change goes perfectly through four phases. These mini deaths could happen at any time, pulling us back into phase one.

A mini death is when you experience a change and it brings a new awareness. Mini deaths are necessary to grow.

It’s not pleasant to experience a mini death. But you will be ok. You have done hard things before and you will survive uncomfortable things. We can do uncomfortable things. It’s all a part of the process. 

And the beauty is that it builds your strength and capacity. On the other side of change is an equal amount of loving kindness waiting for you to receive it. That is the gift awaiting you.

Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” 

This little caterpillar has come so far already. And think of all that is yet to come for him. 

Just like you and me. There is so much beauty and love yet to come.