Teaching the caterpillar to fly

"I would like to be just like you" - said the young caterpillar to the butterfly. "Everyday I dream of having beautiful colorful wings that will allow me to go places I've never been, in speeds I never thought possible. If I had wings like you I'd explore this vast land, dance with the afternoon breeze, have fun while being chased by innocent children and bathe in the sun by the river while kissing every flower in the neighborhood."

The flamboyant butterfly gazed at the caterpillar and responded with wisdom - "If that's your heart's true desire nothing on this earth can stop you from reaching your dreams. But before that happens you must be willing to face the challenges ahead of you."

"What challenges may that be?" - the caterpillar squirmed with fear 

"Well, first you gotta practice crawling before you're able to fly. You probably will be chased by hungry birds before you agile enough to escape from playful kids. From the heavy rain and strong winds you must protect yourself before you can surf the breeze and sunbathe near the water. And most important, a time will come when you'll need to retreat inside a cocoon on your own".

"A cocoon?!" - questioned the caterpillar now having second thoughts about his dreams

"The cocoon experience is inevitable, unless you want to be a caterpillar all your life. It's dark and uncomfortable inside and you will feel isolated and trapped at times. Stay strong and you'll experience the miraculous metamorphoses that will set you free. During the process though, you must let go of your identity as caterpillar and your life as you know. Only then you'll be strong enough to breakthrough the cocoon."

Then will I finally be able to kiss the flowers? - eagerly asked the caterpillar

"Yes. But we butterflies don't kiss flowers for our own sake. Sure it is fun but we do that so the pollen spreads across the land. Then new plants and trees can grow and their leaves will be food and shelter to other young caterpillars just like you."

   

[Track - Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)  by Melanie]

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