Transformation Isn’t Linear
I had an inspiring story planned for this month, but apparently the somatic transformation process and narrative isn’t in my control. A few weeks ago I bought a STEM project, a cup of five baby caterpillars, so I could watch them grow, become chrysalides, and transform into butterflies. Getting to observe a visible somatic transformation has been awe-inspiring. I planned to document the final step – releasing the butterflies – and share it with you as a story about human transformation.
I turned on my video, and the first butterfly flew away beautifully, but I accidentally recorded only my face and not the butterfly. 🤦♂️ Bummer. I reached into the habitat to gently nudge the second one, and unfortunately, it was attached end-to-end with another butterfly, and they were mating, which the instruction manual said to prevent (how was I supposed to avoid this?!). The next butterfly refused to leave at all and seemed to be resting, so I left her alone.
I attempted free this final one as if this were a spiritual dove release (click on this photo/box to watch video of this fail), but the butterfly decided to go back into the habitat for a snack. So much for the beautiful transformation story I’d planned. Lots of things got in the way – rest, mating, snacks. I guess this is life.
When transformation is at hand and it is time to shed outdated patterns and strategies, sometimes I opt for snacks instead. I avoid my practices, distract from big feelings, and cower from taking new actions aligned with what I want for my life. I'll deal with the hard things tomorrow.
Transformation is not a linear process, and we vacillate between moving into the new self and drifting back towards what is familiar, even if it no longer serves us. When I work with clients, I encourage gentleness around the fear, hesitation, and grief that arises, while also keeping the compass pointed toward where someone most wants to go in life. Transformation is scary and hard, and it's important to go gently and with supportive company.
I currently have openings in my coaching practice and here are my upcoming groups:
Somatic Transformation Group for People Experiencing Chronic Illness and/or Pain
Thursdays, Aug 8- Oct 10, 5-6:30pm PT
Weekly 10 session group covers topics including moving from isolation to connection, finding aliveness and purpose in midst of illness, resilience, working with grief, etc
Nervous System Regulation for Healing: A Somatic Practice Group
Wednesdays, Sept 11 - Dec 4, 5:30-7pm PT
Weekly 10 session group covers topics including building awareness of Fight/Flight/Freeze/Appease/Dissociate states, practices for regulating your nervous system, building safety and connection in the body, co-regulation, resilience
To sign up or get more information about my groups or coaching, book a free consult with me today.
