Finding a Breakthrough in the Butterflies

Recently, I worked with a middle school student to develop a passion project. While much of her class was interested in creating a project to solve a technology question, she wasn’t quite sure if that interested her. And while she excelled in many academic areas, none of them had sparked her passion.  During the times we have spoken, her topics of interest flowed from archery to math to art to other school subjects. The more we talked, the more she realized that these were not areas that deeply interested her. Then, after some time to reflect on what she really wanted, she said, what I’d really like to do is find out exactly how butterflies grow and explore what problems there may be to solve regarding butterflies. So, this week, she’ll be receiving her butterfly kit and begin her exploration of butterflies.

What the student really needed to make a choice was space to reflect without restriction and room to make discoveries about herself. When moving off into new territories, we may first only see choices amongst what we already know. We may also focus so intently on a singular outcome or path, that we may miss the breakthrough in our thinking, choices, or actions. Breakthroughs require surrender and trust – and an openness to outcomes we can’t even imagine at the beginning of our journey. This student had no idea she’d be able to study butterflies when she was enrolled in this technology class, but she participated, engaged in the conversation, and dove deeper into her own knowing.

How do we remain open to our own breakthroughs, no matter what they are? Identifying our own personal breakthroughs may be challenging, especially if we are constantly striving for perfectionism or doing what we think is expected. When I stop to reflect on my own breakthrough moments, I realize that it took some time to separate my expectations and perspective on how I want things to look from the reality of how my experiences have unfolded. Even when life doesn’t turn out the way we expect, there is still grace and beauty in the unfolding. In this recognition, we can find many of our breakthrough moments.

Following are my top three recommendations for making space to acknowledge and experience breakthrough moments in our lives.

First, clutter clear (my favorite recommendation for many things). Clutter clearing is one of the fastest ways to shift energy in a space. Our physical spaces mirror our thoughts and emotions. The goal is to surround oneself with what we desire to be present with in our lives. Let go of those things that tie you to the past, things (including mindset) that confine you to the image of what you think your life “should” look like rather than being present with what is. Release without judgment those things to move forward with even more grace and ease.

Second, be present with your daily life. Often, we can move so quickly that we are not even certain of what happened. We are reacting to world events, health challenges, unexpected and drastic changes to routine, caring for others, or something else. It seems easy to shift from living intentionally to trying to survive the day. Create time for self-care throughout the day, time to reflect on the choices that you are making as you are making them, and time to BE – BE present, BE still, BE your authentic self!

Lastly, continue to explore and grow. How can we know or experience something different if we are not exploring the unknown, and stepping out of our comfort zone? Ask questions, be ready for the unexpected! And just like the butterfly, be willing to dissolve what you know to become who you are meant to be.