Be The Butterfly

When I was setting up Intinnua, the concept of renewal was important to me and I kept returning to the image of the butterfly, not necessarily for its beauty , but more-so for what it represents. In Irish folklore, butterflies are traditionally seen as the souls of the departed, flitting between this world and the Otherworld (more on that later). They're also seen as messengers of the spirit, symbols of hope and transformation. And that resonated with me, that’s what I hope Intinnua will represent. The name Intinnua comes from the Irish word intinn, meaning mind, soul, spirit, or intention, and nua meaning new. It reflects the deep integration of our emotional and spiritual selves, and our capacity to heal as we acknowledge the parts of ourselves we often silence, for example, the grief that lingers, the stories we’ve buried, the inner voice calling us back to ourselves.

I see the therapeutic journey mirrored in the rhythm of nature, with its seasons of rest, bloom, decay, and renewal. We move through our own inner seasons where at times we feel cold and stripped bare, and there are the times we bloom and smile again. What I love about the butterfly as a symbol is that it reflects that change. We have no idea what exactly happens in the cocoon except that it’s dark, perhaps holding a sense of not knowing when the light will come. It’s scary. That’s kind of like therapy, sitting together in the uncertainty of the cocoon, but trusting that something new can emerge, even if we don’t yet know what it looks like. Sometimes it’s a deeper sense of self-compassion. Other times, it’s healing from grief, shifting patterns in relationships, or reclaiming your voice. But always, it’s yours. Your unfolding. Your becoming.

At Intinnua, the space we create together is grounded in gentleness, presence, and authenticity, a space for where you’ve been, and where you’re going. So if things feel uncertain, if you're aching for renewal, or just beginning to listen for your own voice again, know that you're not alone. You don’t have to emerge with perfect wings, just come as you are. When you're ready.

As for the Otherworld, it’s an extraordinary place. And I’ll tell you about it next time.

Mind yourself.

Alan.