The Butterfly Struggle
When Comfort Becomes a Cage
In nature, the butterfly’s struggle to break free from its cocoon is not a flaw in its design—it is essential to its survival. If someone were to intervene and ease this struggle, the butterfly would emerge weak, its wings underdeveloped, unable to fly. The struggle itself is what strengthens its wings and prepares it for the freedom it was meant to experience.
What might happen if we tried to view our own struggles in the same way?
The Necessity of Struggle
Growth is rarely comfortable. There are moments when we feel trapped—by circumstances, old beliefs, or past versions of ourselves that no longer fit. But, like the butterfly, we must go through the struggle of breaking free—of shedding what no longer serves us—to step into who we are becoming.
Buddhist teachings remind us that suffering is an inherent part of life. Struggle is not something to be avoided but accepted as part of the journey. When we resist struggle, we prolong our suffering. When we embrace it, we allow ourselves to evolve.
The Pain of Staying the Same
While growth is uncomfortable, staying in a place we have outgrown is just as painful—if not more. When we deny change, we feel stagnant, restless, and disconnected from our true potential. The cocoon that once protected us becomes a prison. The discomfort we feel is not a sign that something is wrong; it is a signal that transformation is necessary.
An Invitation for Expansion
What if, instead of dreading struggle, we welcomed it as a sign of change and expansion? Each challenge we face is an opportunity to build strength, resilience, and wisdom. Just as the butterfly must push against the walls of its cocoon to gain the strength to fly, we, too, must face our struggles head-on to grow into our fullest selves.
Struggle is not the enemy. It is the gateway to freedom. Seeing it this way can be hard, especially when facing the unknown, battling adversity, or managing difficult emotions. But difficult isn’t impossible—it’s just struggle in another form.
Leaning into the Process
Trust the discomfort – It is leading you somewhere new.
Let go of resistance – Struggle is not a punishment- it’s a process.
Look for meaning – Sometimes, a difficult situation is an opportunity to learn or grow in a way you may not have planned or expected.
Celebrate your evolution – Each time you emerge from times of struggle, give yourself credit and find ways to honour and celebrate your survival or progress.
Like the butterfly, we must trust that the struggle is preparing us for flight. Our transformation is not found in avoiding difficulty but in embracing it as part of the journey.
So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of struggle, remember: it won’t be this way forever. This is not the end—it is the beginning of something new.
Sometimes, when we feel like we’re breaking down, we’re actually breaking free.
The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you are struggling with your mental health, support is available. Please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted service. Click here for a full disclaimer and a list of mental health resources.
© 2025 Estelle Harrison. All rights reserved.