I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of “The Butterfly Effect” and the idea that something as simple as the flap of a butterfly wing in one part of the world can have a significant impact (like a hurricane) in another part of the world.
From my research, it seems I’m not the only one who has found this concept appealing! Hollywood has definitely embraced it, and now it’s a popular catch phrase in pop culture.
Edward Lorz, the MIT scientist who coined this concept, is described as creating one of the most alluring notions ever to leap from the lab into mainstream minds!
People are enamoured with the “Butterfly Effect,” as it conveys the message that small events can have large, widespread consequences that can alter history, shape destinies, change the course of a human life, or ripple through the global economy.
Perhaps in a large world filled with billions of people, and infinite story lines, it empowers us to believe that we can make a significant difference with our own individual thoughts, words, and actions.
As it turns out, the larger scope meaning of the Butterfly Effect is not that those intricate correlations can actually be tracked – because they can’t. Rather, the concept gives us a fresh way to think about cause and effect without offering clear or precise answers.
After all, there are countless butterflies out there! A butterfly in Brazil, Bali or Bulgaria or countless other places could be the cause or contributor to a Tornado in Florida. Who can know?
Regardless of our lack of human ability to analyze and predict the complex workings of the world, it seems to me that the Butterfly Effect still has some poignant and useful inferences.
Clearly we live in an intricate web of connectivity. Some call it 6 degrees of separation, which is the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world. In other words, a chain of “a friend of a friend” statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps.
Social media has given weight to this statement too. You probably notice friends and contacts that you share with another person that you had no idea you all had in common.
So if our world is more intimately connected than it appears on the surface, doesn’t it also make sense that each of us, not only can, but actually does – make an impact on the people and environments in immediate and potentially far-reaching ways on a daily basis?
I think so.
Since there doesn’t seem to be a way that science can demonstrate specific correlations to prove this statement, I guess the notion is left up to us and whether or not we choose to embrace it.
Going into this new year ahead, how would things look, feel, and be different if you chose to believe that you are a key player in this game of life and that how you show up in the world makes a significant and tangible difference?
If you are questioning the level of impact you can make, just know that while one person alone may only be able to create so many ripples, when a group of people band together, giant waves can make a huge splash across the globe.
In my opinion, it makes sense to stand tall, proud, and confident in your contributions and to find like-minded spirits with which to join forces. The collective power you can create is truly phenomenal!
I readily see this in the expansion of our Women’s Wellness Circle locations. In the New Year we will have 7 new locations up and running across the GTA and beyond. These gatherings hold sacred and nourishing space for women who feel drawn to take part. I have no doubt that the ripples of these events are having a wonderfully powerful impact on the lives, families, and communities of those participating. I see it, feel it, and read it in the comments, testimonials, and growing interest.
The Butterfly Effect…
The Women’s Circle Effect…
The YOU Effect…
Take your pick and put it to the test.
The inhabitants on this planet, including you, can make a difference!
Happy 2016,
Jill