Caterpillars spend a relatively long and stable phase of their lives as caterpillars and then also a relatively long and stable period as a butterfly.
But it is the time in the cocoon that is shorter and full of extraordinary transformation.
Biologists found that there are cells in the caterpillar’s body which are activated in the cocoon, called imaginal cells, around which the new tissue that will become the butterfly-body begin to form.
It is the spaces in between the imaginal cells that experience chaos and re-absorption.
Some people have used this as an analogy for social change.
There are organizations, places, and people which are like the imaginal cells of a new culture that is emerging on planet Earth. I think of Bellingham (in Washington State), the Netherlands, Findhorn (in Scottland), Auroville (in India), Earthaven Ecovillage (in NorthCarolina), YES! Magzine, Seth Godin, Integral Institute, and many others.
And there are places rife with chaos and pain, torn apart during this massive cultural transition. I think of Juarez (in Mexico), hate groups in general, Syria, and many individuals lost and confused.
If you are part of the fabric of the new culture, or seek to be, begin to weave yourself into the places and groups where you truly belong.