Last month I was feeling extra sensitive and a little low. Despite the steady progress I’d been making on a project that’s close to my heart, doubt and fear began to creep in.
You see, this project is asking me to uplevel in a big way. It entails being vulnerable and taking up space like I never have before. And that’s not super comfortable for me.
My instincts were telling me to forget about it and hide. That maybe I wasn’t ready for this yet. But the truth is, we’re never really ‘ready.’
And if I’ve learned during this lifetime, it’s that fear might keep us safe, but it doesn’t leave room for growth. Fear is a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
That doesn’t make the feeling any less real or scary, but it helps if I reframe that stomach fluttering as excitement instead. And with a compassionate reminder from an animal guide, I was able to do just that.
Here in southern California, the Spring Equinox dawned as a gorgeous, sun-kissed day. I spent the festive March afternoon with my family, including my grandparents, whom I hadn’t seen for over a year.
Our reunion took place at the plant nursery, one of those special places that touches my soul. I was overcome by the beauty all around me.
I could sense something inside me stirring, quickening, coming alive. I am nature and my heart beats in time to the rhythmic melodies of the Earth. The cheerful chorus of birds, fragrant bright blooms and fresh green tendrils mirrored my own spring awakening.
It wasn’t long until I caught sight of a magnificent monarch butterfly that perched on a sprig of humble milkweed. Its diaphanous wings were a vibrant tangerine and I watched, utterly enchanted, as it opened and closed them most delicately.
I found myself bewitched by this radiant, ethereal creature. What a small, yet precious moment, a sliver of joy that I will treasure for a long time.
Even as the sun set and I returned home, this divine messenger continued to visit me in surprising ways. The following day I took a Peloton class and nearly fell out of the saddle when I realized that the instructor was outfitted head to toe in spandex that featured (you guessed it!) monarch butterflies.
I scoured Goodreads for book recommendations and decided on a title- Karma by Doe Zantamata… Only to discover that the cover at my library features an orange, white and black butterfly that bears a striking resemblance to a monarch.
There was no way that this was an innocent coincidence. I knew deep in my bones that this was a sign from the Universe.
And sure enough, when I looked up the meaning of monarch butterfly, this is what I found:
Monarch butterflies are beings of light and they represent transformation. They teach people how to seize opportunities for growth and metamorphosis.
Monarchs signal a time of profound inner change that shifts our perspective, including how we perceive our place or role in the world. When one of these creatures flies into your life it’s an invitation to enjoy the journey and let go of the destination.
You are being reminded to take pleasure in the now and have faith that each step is moving you in the right direction. We can’t see the bigger picture and we don’t know what the final outcome will be. We just keep trusting that it’s all for a larger reason.
-paraphrased from Wildspeak: Monarch Butterfly by Ravenari
I’ve been going through profound inner transformation as I shapeshift and come home to all that I truly am. Not unlike the caterpillar breaking free from the cocoon, parts of me are dying off to carve space for my authentic self to emerge.
As I continue my metamorphosis, I look with gratitude to the monarch, a wayshower who gracefully guides the way through the highs and lows, transmuting fear to love and shadow to light.
The butterfly’s message felt like a comforting, cosmic hug. It was a gentle reminder to allow and trust that I am divinely guided. Everything is unfolding in perfect timing.
The Universe always has your highest good in mind. Remember that you are loved, held and supported always by your angels, ancestors and spirit guides. Open your awareness to their presence and to the signs and synchronicities all around you.
Anything other than love is an illusion.
