By Moses Bulamu
The butterflies you see, the butterflies our children chase, were once eggs, then they became caterpillars, then they became a Chrysalis before turning into a butterfly! Four stages of transformation, each with its joys and pain.
The egg stage is one of vulnerability and uncertainty. See, with the egg, one doesn’t know what is inside or what will come out of it! It’s a deep internal mental health struggle that men go through. As we explore this stage, we notice that the egg stage presents with muted gray and blues, conveying sadness and isolation.
This isolation could be from the ‘community’ or isolation from self. Present but absent, this stage of mental health is where a man struggles to find himself, and it takes a keen eye and interest to find him out. The egg stage is muted, and it might not be dangerous, but it’s a crucial stage in the journey towards mental wellness.
As we move to the next stage, the caterpillar stage showcases growth and transformation, but it’s a dangerous journey. It represents self-discovery as the caterpillar emerges from the egg, eating and growing. In terms of colors, it’s green and yellow – colors of hope and renewal. This stage is captivating, and as a science teacher, I have watched the egg-caterpillar stage with my eyes.
The caterpillar stage offers the man who has suffered mental health issues a bounce! They are buoyant and bubbly, with a bounce in almost everything they do. However, this stage is not the final destination. As the caterpillar grows, it eventually retreats into a Chrysalis stage – a transformation and healing stage.
This stage is a recovery stage where positive reflection throws out guilt and inadequacy. It’s healing time, and the scars that brought on mental health issues remain, but the gel of reflection allows healing. At this stage, the colors are purples and pinks, which means calmness and sanity. This stage allows in ‘the other voices’ of balance but repels judgment.
Finally, the butterfly stage represents freedom and empowerment. The freedom to fly, to explore, to be limitless, which means mental wellness. It’s a very visible stage, with orange, red, yellow, and light blue! There is a lot of joy, confidence, and liberation. In conclusion, the life cycle of a butterfly teaches us a lot about life, from resilience and hope to beauty and transformation.
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