Metamorphosis

Sometime last week, I watched the opening credits of the classic late 70s hit The Incredible Hulk boldly declare the metamorphosis of Dr. David Banner into the Hulk.

As expected, the word remained stuck in my head throughout the week.

The longer it lingered, the more it seemed fitting that I needed to explore it a little.

This is what I discovered, much to my surprise.

Metamorphosis is closely linked to change.

Apart from the Incredible Hulk mention, references to butterflies and change are abundant in literature, philosophy, and popular culture.

A few notable examples:

• Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" tells a story where the main character turns into a huge insect, symbolizing big personal changes. The book talks about loneliness, alienation, and the strangeness of life, as the character's bug shape makes it hard for him to connect with other people

• Whereas, the children’s classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carl follows the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a beautiful butterfly, teaching young readers about growth and change.

• At the same time, the 2004 “Butterfly Effect" film explores the concept of the butterfly effect in a sci-fi thriller, where small changes have profound consequences on the protagonist's life.

• Some Native American tribes associate butterflies with change, joy, and rebirth, viewing them as messengers between the living and the spirit world.

No wonder butterflies are powerful symbols that represent change, transformation, and the beauty that comes with it.

Change and transformation can also be daunting, when it takes a turn for the worse, as seen in Kafka’s Gregor or the Hulk.

The fear of change is real because a lot is happening under the hood, unseen and hidden, during the process of change.

Change

In my experience, change often happens when I least expect or want it, rather than when I am actively planning it.

When I was young, I used to go anywhere I wanted to.

But as I've gotten older, I've noticed that I keep getting dragged to places I'd rather not go.

The Gospel of John details Peter’s similar struggles. What is good for the goose, is indeed good for the gander.

When I got married, it meant letting go of certain favorites. It was a case of out with the old and in with the new.

Not that all the changes were bad. They were just different, unfamiliar, and most importantly, “unknown” entities.

However unsettling and painful these revelations were, they required a shift in my understanding and perspective. It had to come to terms with them, like it or not.

Much like many others, I survived the changes, over time.

But it came at a cost, some were personal, some had to do with family - extended and otherwise, others were work-related, and even involvement in church and a lesser extent, society.

Once the world had been my oyster, now the oyster was my world.

The rewards?

After 20 years or so, I dare say, to some extent, those difficult transformations have made me a better person.

I’ve learned new things, experienced new and different ways of doing things, met people who are not like me, and visited places that I likely would not have done otherwise.

Transitions in life can offer opportunities for discovery.

Perhaps that is the way to look at it.

The end result.

But just like the caterpillar, one has to go through the perplexing process that makes the end results worthwhile.

Regarding Change

I’d like to think there are two possibilities.

I can either become better, or bitter.

I can choose to become a better person, like when Peter and the Very Hungry Caterpillar transformed into something beautiful by learning and growing.

This positive change is like the gentle flutter of butterfly wings, creating good vibes that go beyond just ourselves.

But, there's another choice – a destructive one, like the Hulk or Gregor from Kafka's story.

It's like a storm inside a chrysalis, causing chaos and problems. While it might bring big changes, it often comes with difficulties and problems.

Perhaps 3 things are necessary:

• Acknowledging that I need to change;

• Knowing what to change, and

• Trusting the process

"Change is the Only Constant”

You would know this mantra by heart already.

It acknowledges the inevitability of change in life.

It suggests that, like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, change is a natural and constant part of our existence.

Change is a chance for us to become architects of our own growth.

It's a call to choose positive ways, just like a butterfly gracefully emerging from its cocoon.

Change happens a lot, but how we deal with it can be like a beautiful dance—a purposeful transformation that makes a lasting mark on our and other’s lives.

And now I’d like to leave you with this reminder, at the start of the year, that we

• Acknowledge that we need to change;

• Know what to change, and

• Trust the process

While remembering this truth:

Until next week,

Cheers!

Jude

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