Butterfly - a symbol of hope and personal transformation

THE BUTTERFLY - A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

A few days ago, a gorgeous butterfly flew into our garden and settled on a flower.

I have seen Butterflies before in our garden, but this one was very different and I had never seen one like this before in our garden. I was really intrigued and my first thought was to take a photograph of it, so I rushed inside to get my camera, hoping that it would still be there when I got back. Fortunately, it was and I quickly checked my camera settings and then slowly kneeled down, hoping not to scare it away. I lined up the shot carefully and pressed the shutter.

Seconds later, the Butterfly gently flapped its wings and flew off. I watched it as it gained height and flew over the garden wall, quickly disappearing from sight. I went back inside and immediately downloaded the photograph that I had taken and was really amazed, because it turned out far better than I had expected. And here is the photograph that I took.

I stared at it for a few minutes and then I wondered to myself - was this just sheer co-incidence that the Butterfly landed in our garden or was there possibly some meaning to it? Because Butterflies are definitely symbolic.

One only has to consider the process of metamorphosis as they change from eggs to caterpillars to Pupa (chrysalis) and then into beautiful butterflies. They overcome challenges and risks during this process. And change or transformation, is at the core of this process and by going through it, something beautiful emerges. Not surprising therefore that Butterflies are symbols of significant personal transformation, hope and improvement. And Butterflies often feature in the logos or descriptions of various organisations that deal with healing and renewal. And in early Christian symbolism, the Butterfly was a sign of the Resurrection. In ancient Greece, “Psyche"means the Soul and Butterfly, whilst in Asian traditions, the Butterfly signifies love and longevity. And perhaps, most relevant to me, is that in some indigenous cultures, the Butterfly is regarded as a messenger of good wishes, hope and transformation.

Its been a few days now since this Butterfly came to spend a few minutes in our garden. I have kept an eye open for any other similar Butterflies, but so far none like this one have appeared. I am convinced now that the Butterfly’s fleeting visit was more than sheer co-incidence. I believe that its appearance has a compelling message and a significant meaning, providing a strong sense of optimism for the future.

And the importance of optimism cannot be underestimated. This definitely affects people in their daily lives, and how they deal with the myriad of challenges, problems, setbacks and uncertainties that have become part of our lives.

Can one Butterfly really make a difference? Well, after my experience a few days ago, I believe it can - look at the photograph again. Examine the vibrant colours and the beauty of this incredible creature and keep in mind the metamorphosis that took place for the Butterfly to emerge. Now, as humans, our metamorphosis is not physical like the one experienced by the Butterfly. Our metamorphosis is different, its a metaphor for change in our personal lives, and these changes must include our state of mind, our beliefs and personal values. Our metamorphosis must lead to psychological growth, self discovery and in effect, re-inventing who we are.

I sincerely hope that my Photograph will bring out the Butterfly in all of you. When you look at it, please think of your own personal metamorphosis and what that can mean for you.

I promise to bring you many more similar photographs in future, to continue inspiring you with photographs of beautiful things out there.

Please view my Gallery pages on my website, where I have many examples of other Photographs in my portfolio, representing more than 50 years of Photography.

© Gavin Klarmann