Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

About the Program

What is the Butterfly Connection?

Butterfly Connection is a gathering of people who are identified with a desire to serve the world and are inquiring about their inner motivation, strengths and talents. It is an opportunity to reflect by yourself and collectively on the source of strength that supports us in moving forward.

We will walk through a process inspired by the transformation of the butterfly: be nurtured by our collective stories as caterpillars, allow stillness as a cocoon and discover new grounds as a butterfly.

Why is this called Butterfly Connection?

A Good Analogy

It is in the silence that lots of things happen! Things get new shapes, shapes become deep and solid or just loose its initial shape to come along with something new, unique, special. These magical beings which carry in their wings a distinctive unicity, being at the same time so beautiful and inspiring to the world’s surroundings.

In a very slow and quiet process they evolve from caterpillar to cocoon, and then reshape as butterflies which take off right after carrying away a history of learning and self-development, which they share in a light, trifling and happy way in every place they pass by.

As caterpillars, they feed themselves in a voracious and incessant way, nourishing and preparing for many days to draw in the cocoon, in a period of complete introspection and chemical and physiological transformation – in a period of silence and cuddle of the being they were, the being they are and the one they will become.

From the chrysalis, a butterfly grows, a being which now has its ultimate shape, its mission and well-defined role in nature. A being that goes around the world, from one flower to another, nourishing itself and taking up the best of them: the nectar. Huge or small, some more colorful than others, butterflies carry life, a new beginning and the maintenance of a process to many gardens around the world. Pollinating here and there, they enable the emergence of fresh, species development and also the perpetuation of what exists, what’s good and beautiful.

Who is behind the Butterfly Connection program?

You’ll be hosted during this process by Emi Tanaka, Augusto Cuginotti and Valentine Giraud, who had been hosting and exploring this transformation path since 2006. Check their bios here.

Who comes to a Butterfly Connection?

Butterfly Connection was initially designed back in 2006 to target young leaders working as activists and most of the participants were aged between 20 and 40 years old. After some years of the program people from different generations got interested in joining us and since then we have been having people from all ages and generations. You are welcome!

Is this a specific technique, method or theory?

Not really. This is a gathering of people who are open to self and collective inquiry around relevant questions about their way in this world. We are not affiliated with any religion or civil group and we are not using a specific technique, method or theory, although many of those things could have inspired us on our journey.

What should I expect if I join a Butterfly Connection?

If you come you will be welcomed - there is chance you will be invited to:

■ Have intentional conversations and share what makes sense to you;
■ Explore individually and collectively the most important question for you right now;
■ Have some hours of collective silence;
■ Eat vegetarian and/or locally produced food;
■ Join us in morning physical activities and meditation;
■ Offer your own topic for conversation;
■ Explore a spiritual dimension personally and collectively;
■ Leave with the most simple and yet strong action for personal transformation;
■ Leave with a smile and new friends.

Organizing a Butterfly Connection

Organizing a Butterfly Connection

What should I do to support a Butterfly Connection to happen in my region or city?

We are delighted with the possibility of hosting a Butterfly Connection in your city or region. Please make sure you explore the questions below and then please contact us.

What kind of environment is needed to this kind of program?

The Butterfly Connection is a silent retreat and therefore we have chosen spaces that are a bit away from the city and closer to nature. We also look for places where the environment is both suitable for some silent personal time and has the basic comfort for our group conversations, accommodation, food, etc.

How long is a Butterfly Connection program?

The program is from three to four days long, depending on the place and number of participants.

Is it possible to have the Butterfly Connection in my own language?

As a retreat designed to be local and regional, we encourage that the Butterfly Connection is held in a local language. If within our hosts no one can (yet!) speak your language, there is a chance that we will need to do a bilingual retreat first.