The Butterfly

One day walking in Rishikesh, a car slowly passed me.  I noticed a butterfly stuck on the car, one wing having been caught in the hood, the other flapping wildly to free itself.  I gestured to the driver to stop the car, but he refused.  So I stepped in front of his car.   I felt the struggle in this butterfly’s being and knew it deserved a chance at a peaceful death without fear and hopelessness no less than I.  I put up my hand and forcefully shouted “Stop!”  He stopped, but refused to open the hood of the car.  I gestured to the butterfly.  He shrugged.  I would not budge.  “Open the hood!” I demanded, and he finally gave in.  I expected a broken and shattered wing and a butterfly that would only have a few moments to live.  Instead, two whole and complete wings flew with determination.  The butterfly appeared totally fine.  I could not believe it.  Pinned a second before, it was now flying with grace and ease.  It was a miracle to me.  Do not resign yourself to just recuperating from trauma.  When you find yourself out of a hopeless and painful situation, fly with passion and determination as if you’ve never been touched.  Let the past go, let the pain stay where it was.  Take nothing with you but the miracle of flight and the beauty of who you really are.