Lately, I’ve been reading and reflecting on monarch butterflies. It may sound like a strange thing to think about, but I’m drawn toward the miraculous in nature, and in life. According to National Geographic, the 3000-mile migration of the monarch is one of the greatest natural events on Earth.
There are other species on that migrate, but these butterflies are the only species that migrate and don’t make it back to their original destination. Cooler temperatures prompt the butterflies to start their southern migration from North America to just a few mountains located in central Mexico. Here, they overwinter protected by the branches of the oyamel fir trees.
It is miraculous enough that monarchs find their way to special fir trees in the mountains of Mexico, having never been there before. But these insects also know when to head back, and find places on the return journey (the same spots each year) to feed on milkweed and lay eggs. But then they die, never getting back to where they started. It takes four to five generations of monarchs to reach their point of origin in Northern America.
These in-between generations that are born in Texas and different points along the Northern migration only live five to seven weeks and fly only a few hundred miles north.
Here’s where it gets really crazy. According to Pablo Jaramillo-Lopez, a research scientist at National Autonomous University of Mexico, “when fall rolls around again, a special ‘super generation’ of monarchs that can live up to eight months will make use of air currents to wing all the way back to Mexico—a seemingly impossible feat for such a delicate-looking insect.”
This super generation, that comes around every year, makes the 3000-mile trek. How does this happen? That a generation comes along equipped to live longer and make this one-time, one-way journey to a place they’ve never been and will never return from. To experience a destination that the majority of their species never will.
Those in-between generations will fly, and eat, and lay eggs and die, as is the expectation of the average butterfly. No shame in that. They are living life as expected; fulfilling their role on this planet.
But then along comes the super-generation that was made to be more, fly farther, and reach destinations unknown. What is it inside of them that makes them special, that gives them this superpower? This drive to reach a place they’ve never been, and without the help of Google Maps.
I can’t help but compare the lives of the monarchs to our species. How so many of us diligently fulfill the expectations and routines of life, doing what we are supposed to do: making a living, procreating, and dying. This is arguably the reason we are here, on a very basic, survival level.
Then there are those who come into this world with the inner-workings to do more than an average life. They are equipped for the journey, even if they don’t know exactly where it will lead them. A super-human drive to be more and travel farther than what is expected.
Or…are we all born with the capacity to be super, and only some of us heed the call?
There are so many things in this life that hinder us from taking our own great journey. We get caught up in the weeds of doubt, expectations and fear. We get side-tracked in the trappings of comfort, security and the familiar. We seek fulfillment in addictions and chase ideals that only take us farther off track. We lower our expectations as the years go by.
There is nothing wrong with being an average butterfly, or an average human. But if we are in fact created with the inner workings to fly farther and complete the great journey, shouldn’t we honor that truth? And is that where failure comes into play? When we have ability, but refuse to try?
So I leave you with this: If there can be some inexplicable component within the composition of an insect that can guide it on a 3000-mile journey to a grove of firs planted on a group of mountains, then you also have the capacity to do miraculous and wonderful things. You are only limited by your refusal to take flight and trust the journey.
Lovely!
My friend was actually able to let go of some of her late husband’s ashes in Mexico close to all the butterflies!
It was an amazing trip!
xo
Wendy
Oh wow, that would be amazing! There is a stop-off for the monarchs in Pacific Grove, California that I used to live by and it was incredible walking around the groves of trees covered in butterflies. Almost sacred. Thanks, Wendy. Xx
Totally loved this post Collette. I take comfort on the thought that some of my unrest and unease right now comes from not being satisfied to just ‘make do’. I’ve been berating myself for not being grateful for what I have but there is something inside me that will not rest. It’s not that I am looking for better or more, I just feel can do more and be more. This post reassured me that it’s ok to feel like that about life. Thank you 🙏 😘❤️
Yes, I’ve noticed that I hold myself to much higher expectations now that I’m sober. There is this pressure to make it all meaningful and significant. But I’m learning that there is meaning in the meantime as well. Go easy on yourself. It will all come together. Xx
I have had a better day today. Out in fresh air on bikes with the boys and though I caught myself getting irritable at times, I also managed to enjoy it all for what it was. There is definitely something about my psyche that won’t allow me to relax, which has increased again since stopping the antidepressants. Xx
Fabulous post Collette. LOVE butterflies and their metamorphosis process. It inspires me 😍
But, WOW, your story on the Monarch Butterfly was an outstanding call to action to live our best life…however we define that, but not to squander the possibility that we have the power to actualize it❣️
Inspiring ❤️🤗
Yes, and at times I struggle with my definition of my best life. What does that mean? What should it look like? What should I be doing? And discovering WHAT those possibilities are. But I think wrestling with what it means and should look like is part of the process of actualizing those possibilities. It’s all beautiful, when we step back and let go… Thanks, Teri! Xx
I used to see so many monarchs when I was a kid, but I haven’t seen one for a long time now. Thank you for reminding me and teaching me a few new things about this gorgeous creature. And like you said above, I also struggle with what my best, most extraordinary, life should look like. But I’ll keep at it. Thank you for the inspiration. 😊xo
Yes, let’s just keep at it! Something beautiful is bound to emerge… Xx
This was SO inspiring Collette. I love this butterfly fact and the thought of a super generation. It is pretty exciting to think that we’re only doing the basics of what we are capable of… gives me all kinds of new ideas. xxx
Thank you, Janet. I love learning about the amazing behaviors and traits of our friends in the natural world…perfectly designed, full of potential, like us! Hope you are well!💕