Before answering the question, it is important to know the difference between transformation and change.
Transformation, which metamorphosis is supposed to achieve, is an irreversible process. As in the quote, the butterfly says to the sun, metamorphosis is once in a lifetime event. A butterfly cannot metamorphose back to pupa or an ant to an egg. Metamorphosis of mindset can happen; however, it is an exceedingly rare event.
Change on the other hand is the law of nature and is necessary in the scheme of things. However, it is a reversible process. Everyone changes every now and then in every aspect, physically, mentally as well as spiritually. One can change the looks, the views and opinions, beliefs and even faith, as often as one likes or on the drop of a hat, as the saying goes. Even the mindset is subject to change.
There is a famous saying that grass is always greener on the other side. One craves for what one does not have, and having have that, one gets satiated very soon, and longs for change again. A tiny miniscule of a particle called C.V. has once again proved the truth of this statement. In the rat race of normal lifestyle, everyone dreams for change, keeps postponing things for when one has time is on hand. Now that the lifestyle has changed completely to the opposite, everyone seems to have started missing what they were used to, everyone wants to revert back to what they believed to be normal. If this change of normal to new normal can last for long, people will get used to it too. After all, people did live without the digital era, the internet, telecommunication and cyberspace!
No one wants to go back to the analog era or the pre-digital era. May be the present new normal will sustain and will become normal in due course.
No one welcomes uncertainty; on the contrary they dread it. However, once the uncertainty inevitably becomes certainty, people transform accordingly. Perhaps in due course, the mindsets too will irreversibly change and transform to accept the new reality.
As for now, I and many others like me, are getting adapted to the new norms and will live with them once they become the norms for everyday life; be it social distancing, face masking, telecommunicating, visual conferencing or internet shopping.
I do welcome, even the uncertain times, so long as I can practice the virtues of love and kindness. However, I am not willing to surrender to them unconditionally, a privilege reserved only to the God of my beliefs.
As for the question on the quote, I have never transformed myself. However, if it refers to change rather than transform, I confess that I have changed myself umpteen times over, in long years of my life.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection. I found myself nodding as I read your words — especially that moment when you likened this restlessness to the caterpillar inside its cocoon. That image resonates deeply with me. I’ve often felt that transformation rarely looks or feels like freedom at first. It’s uncomfortable, quiet, and full of questions.
What moved me most was your reminder to meet uncertainty with curiosity. That small shift — from resistance to wonder — is something I try to practice in my own life and in my work as a coach. It’s not always easy, but it opens the door to growth.
Your intention to slow down, to reflect, and to read deeply during this time reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place — not to chase productivity, but to live more fully, with presence and purpose.
Thank you again for holding space for these thoughts. They matter.
Before answering the question, it is important to know the difference between transformation and change.
Transformation, which metamorphosis is supposed to achieve, is an irreversible process. As in the quote, the butterfly says to the sun, metamorphosis is once in a lifetime event. A butterfly cannot metamorphose back to pupa or an ant to an egg. Metamorphosis of mindset can happen; however, it is an exceedingly rare event.
Change on the other hand is the law of nature and is necessary in the scheme of things. However, it is a reversible process. Everyone changes every now and then in every aspect, physically, mentally as well as spiritually. One can change the looks, the views and opinions, beliefs and even faith, as often as one likes or on the drop of a hat, as the saying goes. Even the mindset is subject to change.
There is a famous saying that grass is always greener on the other side. One craves for what one does not have, and having have that, one gets satiated very soon, and longs for change again. A tiny miniscule of a particle called C.V. has once again proved the truth of this statement. In the rat race of normal lifestyle, everyone dreams for change, keeps postponing things for when one has time is on hand. Now that the lifestyle has changed completely to the opposite, everyone seems to have started missing what they were used to, everyone wants to revert back to what they believed to be normal. If this change of normal to new normal can last for long, people will get used to it too. After all, people did live without the digital era, the internet, telecommunication and cyberspace!
No one wants to go back to the analog era or the pre-digital era. May be the present new normal will sustain and will become normal in due course.
No one welcomes uncertainty; on the contrary they dread it. However, once the uncertainty inevitably becomes certainty, people transform accordingly. Perhaps in due course, the mindsets too will irreversibly change and transform to accept the new reality.
As for now, I and many others like me, are getting adapted to the new norms and will live with them once they become the norms for everyday life; be it social distancing, face masking, telecommunicating, visual conferencing or internet shopping.
I do welcome, even the uncertain times, so long as I can practice the virtues of love and kindness. However, I am not willing to surrender to them unconditionally, a privilege reserved only to the God of my beliefs.
As for the question on the quote, I have never transformed myself. However, if it refers to change rather than transform, I confess that I have changed myself umpteen times over, in long years of my life.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection. I found myself nodding as I read your words — especially that moment when you likened this restlessness to the caterpillar inside its cocoon. That image resonates deeply with me. I’ve often felt that transformation rarely looks or feels like freedom at first. It’s uncomfortable, quiet, and full of questions.
What moved me most was your reminder to meet uncertainty with curiosity. That small shift — from resistance to wonder — is something I try to practice in my own life and in my work as a coach. It’s not always easy, but it opens the door to growth.
Your intention to slow down, to reflect, and to read deeply during this time reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place — not to chase productivity, but to live more fully, with presence and purpose.
Thank you again for holding space for these thoughts. They matter.
With gratitude,
Vasilis