Flight of the Butterfly

We left Mexico City before dawn, winding through small towns towards a forest sanctuary to make one of my dreams come true.  Upon arrival, we are partnered with a local guide and begin a 1 hour climb. It doesn’t take long and we’ve spotted our first one. It was sitting in the sun with two other butterfly friends, perched on a yellow flower, wings open all of 3″, a gorgeous orange. After zooming in on this one and slowing down to observe, I let my gaze widen – and started to notice more butterflies darting around. And then letting my eyes focus up the hillside – to the climb ahead – deeper in the forest – small dots scintillating. To complete the view, I let my head drop back to see the sky above – even more.

Every winter for thousands of years the regal Monarch Butterfly spends the winter in the high mountain sanctuary of El Rosario, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a feat that defies logic, one super-generation arrives here flying all the way from Canada to this forest sanctuary.  Each arriving butterfly flies 4000 Kilometers, returning to an area they’ve never known. Let that sink in. One butterfly. Canada to Mexico. Little wings. 4 months.  And upon arrival, they reunite with….. wait for it… 50 MILLION others who have done the same. 

I’m sure you have questions, but I don’t really have answers. First, I’ll let your mind return to its regular frequency and let you close your gaping mouth. Those first butterflies that I described above were just a tease. When you get to the higher elevations, deeper in the forest sanctuary, you see brown masses hanging from the trees at great height. They look like enormous hives or giant clusters of dead leaves. So dense they obscure all the branches and weigh them down. These clusters are made up of Butterflies. Wings closed to keep warm, showing only their beige underwing. Quantity overwhelming. They are all here.

We’ve arrived and now we wait. And we hope for sun because the sun is the magic activator that warms their wings, causing the clumps to start to move, and creating an orange glow as wings open and gradually some take flight.

I say “some” because the sky was dotted w/clouds during our visit and it limited their movement. With 50M avail, however, some is still many. And their swirling flight takes my breath away.

What is it that is so magical? Surely a different answer for all. To me, the mystery of how this migration is even possible is multi-layered. I am awed by:

• the way this kaleidoscope works together 
• the power of our natural world
• the beauty of the dancing orange in the forest green
• the pride of the local community acting as guides & guardians
• the sheer spectacle

And then, of course, there is the wonder and symbolism of butterflies – their transformation generation after generation.Their tenacity and strength. It is no wonder that they are often symbols of beloved ancestors. Every 5 generations these millions come home.

There’s much to learn about our natural world and our impact by studying these monarchs. And that also interests me.

But, above all, it is the feeling of awe and wonder in our busy world that is most compelling, healing and fueling to me. I am so grateful to have witnessed this wonder.  And so grateful to have done so with beloved family and friends. Where do you find awe and wonder in this busy world? How are you moving towards it? And what does that offer you?

For me this pilgrimage of sorts reinforces my own journey. I’m also undergoing a transformation in my work and I’m committed to staying the course. While I’m still coaching, I’m obviously writing here much less frequently. And more and more of my time is devoted to the end-of-life space as coach, doula and educator. If curious, you can learn more HERE.