The transformation from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly represents the greatest metamorphosis in the animal world. In particular, the chrysalis has come to symbolize change ~ of the spiritually visceral kind, the sort of change that prompts the individual retreat into herself. When I think of chrysalis, I think of the trinity of experiences that, together, make up life: desire, loss, regeneration.So .... what is chrysalis? 1. a soul trapped inside in a body. 2. an enchanted chamber where an amazing transformation will occur. 3. a protective covering ~ a refuge ~ for the changeling. 4. a symbol for metamorphosis which occurs from the inside, out. Inside the hard, golden-coloured shell of chrysalis the organism has dissolved itself into fluid. Final emergence from the silent, fluid-filled solitude breaks the chrysalis from inside. The metamorphosed individual bares herself to the world.
I feel like that soul, trapped inside that brittle husk of a body. At present, it feels nothing like an enchanted chamber ... but in my heart, I know an amazing transformation lies around the corner. And, that brittle shell, protective? Yes, most of the time it feels like a refuge. Other times it feels more like an incarceration. A painful change has seeded itself inside me ... inside of the Pilot. It's called growth. Growing hurts .... oh so much. I wonder if it distresses the caterpillar to liquify and then transform into a winged creature. Its a sort of birth, isn't it?
This means challenging my self to compassionate, encouraging, genuine and hostile-free exchanges. It also means contemplating my reaction to the thoughts, feelings and expressions of others, prior to acting upon them. 
