In our culture, we are manifesting an addiction to comfortability. We are birthing an addict society. I went through a time in my life where I was a major drug and alcohol addict. And so I know, on a very real level, what addiction is. As a society, we are being birthed into an addiction culture, where you need consumerism, you need comfortability. And you go through the same withdrawals, all the same things you go through as a drug addict or alcoholic. I see even the most conscious among us making the most unconscious decisions based on our addiction to comfortability.
I love using the example of the caterpillar becoming the butterfly: the caterpillar has a pretty cool life. It’s chill. It’s safe; it doesn’t have too many threats, it’s usually camouflaged. Yet, the caterpillar has this deeper calling that defies description within itself, and it tells the caterpillar, there’s something more for you. In many ways, we are that character. The caterpillar has to trust it can follow this great unknown, this great mystery.
And fear keeps us from trusting in that great mystery. To me, the divine is the great mystery. Every time I take a breath and I’m amazed that I can breathe! The caterpillar has to liquefy, and the caterpillar even has to have its head pop off in order to transform into a butterfly. So it’s hard work! We are afraid of what’s inside ourselves. But the caterpillar knows. The caterpillar knows how to trust. It knows that even the cocoon can become too comfortable.
The caterpillar knows that it has to push through the barriers of comfortability. Once the caterpillar transforms, it takes a moment of grace to flap its wings. And then it takes a leap to take its first flight. I think that our fear consistently keeps us from that process; it’s what keeps us from knowing the magic of this space. We say to ourselves, that edge looks a bit too scary, I’m just gong to chill here.
From “Fear Is Simple and Profound,” Global Oneness Project, Pachamama Alliance, Oakland, California, 2011
Dear Julia Butterfly Hill,
(Sounds a bit formal, but respectful)
I just looked up you site because I wanted to finally have a chance to say how much ch I have always admired you.
I was aware about f your incredible activism, but the first time I really heard you was when you were on Lunch with Bokora with the Taoist master.
After all this time, it still blows me away. You still have a copy of that episode and watch it at least once per year.
You and Wavy Gravy are my two favorite activists. However, you did more on your own and so young. (I instantly had a crush on you, that’s not why I am writing, not a creep, just recognize true beauty that emanates from within and, in your case, outwardly as well.)
I am aware that you have had to deal with a lot and still persevere. Bravo! Such courage, determination and heart are incredibly rare and so much in need.
I want you to know just how much you are appreciated. You are a gift to this world.
I do what I can, I dedicate my life to service, but I have not touched the world as widely as you.
No matter how many times you might here what a precious gift you are, it is never enough. Life can be painful and full of suffering, but for those that survive it with their hearts open, it purifies their heart and strengthens their compassion.
I am just another blip that passed through your radar. But, one that truly appreciates you.
I never played the culture’s predominant greed and get rich game or I would support your causes financially. I support them in the ways that I can. I would rather ease someone’s, anyone’s, suffering than build a paper selfish kingdom and buy “toys”.
I support you in spirit and by deeds. What we have is nothing, what we give is everything.
With great respect,
Jeff Bailey
Thank you for your kind message Jeff.
I needed to read EXACTLY this EXACTLY now… gratitude for the comfort, hope, urgency to find my courage is all I can offer……
i am so happy to know this Brooke. Thank you for sharing.
Love,
julia