A message from university's Indigenous Elder Joanne Dallaire
This traditional Indigenous teaching can help you recognize where you are at this moment and how you can best assist yourself, or inform friends and family of what you need.
Well, one more trip around the sun and here we are in National Indigenous History Month, as well as the summer solstice. It is the time of year to tend to the seeds planted in the spring, referring to seeds you may have planted regarding your personal growth and self-care. It is also about balance with equal amounts of day and night.
These have been challenging times for us all and the confines and restrictions we are currently under can present many emotions. I find it best to focus my attention on what is within my power to change. Is there anything I can do now? What do I need to centre myself?
At times like these, I’d like to offer the Butterfly Teachings. This traditional Indigenous teaching can help you recognize where you are at this moment and how you can best assist yourself, or inform friends and family of what you need.
Caterpillar Stage: This is when the caterpillar goes about its daily business of eating and being alive. A time of learning, living and exploration - a time to take care of basic needs.
Cocooning Stage: This the time of an overwhelming need and drive to follow instinct. Wrapping itself up in silk, the caterpillar spins to hide away from the view of others in preparation for an incredible metamorphosis. It is a time of doing because you are driven to do; of labour and self endeavour; of being alone with one’s feelings and thoughts; and of going within.
During this stage, we are alone with a strong sense of purpose. Even to explain what is going on is impossible. The changes must be done alone in this darkness, which can make us feel lonely, unsure and fearful. We may not want to be with others and choose to be alone. The time of metamorphosis.
Coming Out: This is the time when the butterfly instinctually emerges from the cocoon, knowing the time is perfect and the sun is out. It requires strength and determination to break free of old restraints. During this stage, we can feel uncomfortable with our changes and the knowledge that everything is changed. We can do nothing but wait for the right time to make a move, fear the unknown, struggle and worry about how we will be.
Flight: Just before the flight, the butterfly must spread its wings so they can dry and its predators can see it clearly – a dangerous time. There can be great fear just before the displaying of change, freedom, flight and independence. The caterpillar is screaming, “Put me down, I don’t like this!” The butterfly says, “I hear you, caterpillar, but we don’t move that way anymore.”
Change can be frightening but so beautiful once you are used to it. I hope this teaching will offer some insight. Remember that you are not alone in how you may feel. Many of us are going through our own butterfly transformation.
If you are in need of support, it is available remotely from Ryerson through the Medical Centre, the Centre for Student Development and Counselling, and Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services (RASS). I am also available by email at jdallaire@torontomu.ca if you’d like to chat.
Wishing you a great summer. Take care and stay safe.
Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire
Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation