Struggle is something we are all familiar with although how we define it may differ. It is an uncomfortable tension and perceived difficulty that causes us to thrash around a bit, either physically, emotionally or intellectually. There is something of spiritual necessity in the tension that is provided if we are open. Nature becomes an important teacher and mirror of this.

Metamorphosis is the name given of the rapid transformation of larva into a butterfly. The process begins with the female butterfly laying her eggs on a plant. As women, we can see this as a mirror of our lives when a dream deep within us is being acknowledged and we germinate a seed in our lives, putting intention and consciousness to this passion within us.

The larva will emerge from the egg into a caterpillar and spends most of its time eating. As women, this would be the time when we find comfort and nourishment for ourselves and our dreams. We find communities that 'watch our back' and welcome our passions. These communities welcome our joy, our anger and our struggle without need to control or change us. These circles are open to our contribution, our growth and diverse perspective, knowing maturing communities grow in this tension as well. Hopefully, we mature together.

Next, the pupa or cocoon becomes the protective shield while the caterpillar finishes growing. The scientific word for 'cocoon' is chrysalis, which means gold. Most of the transformation takes place with this shield, within the gold.

Then comes a time of tension. For the caterpillar, there is pushing up against the sticky silken shield to develop strength and wing capacity. If the silken, sticky shield is cut prematurely and the caterpillar's process of pushing against the walls is interfered with, there are dire consequences and death. As women, perhaps this struggle and tension is our own pushing up against deeply held beliefs that no longer mirror the powerful women we have become. Perhaps it may include questioning those in power, individuating from the communities that have nurtured us and finding our voice in our relationships. It is the time we find our own ability to lead and serve.

Learning to hold the tension deep within, without 'acting it out' or avoiding its discomfort, provides us the strength to emerge free in our own beauty and fly.

Trust the tension and allow yourself to connect with your own spiritual resources within. The tension precedes grow and the emergence of strength and transformation.

May you be blessed with tension and allow it to teach you about the spiritual resources available to you, the magnificent process of mature transformation.

With love,

Sally