What do you think?
Rate this book
Consider the Butterfly: Transforming Your Life Through Meaningful Coincidence
At some point in our lives, we have all experienced synchronicities, those amazing coincidences that offer short glimpses into the backstage of life, the hidden order of things. Carol Lynn Pearson has for years kept track of the coincidences in her days, looking at them with a poet's eye for metaphor and meaning: a pan of "mama's cinnamon rolls" appears in the first shot of a movie just minutes after she and her sister reminisce on that favorite childhood food; a smiley face pops up on the computer screen during the writing of her daughter's funeral service; eight butterflies appear within an hour, not on the wing but in the word, bringing a message of transformation and hope. Learning the language of synchronicity can help each of us to more frequently access and recognize the wisdom of the divine. After reading Consider the Butterfly, you will never again see the events in your daily life as just events. You will start to see your name on messages sent special delivery, giving helpful clues on your own personal journey.
Carol Lynn Pearson has established an impressive career as a best-selling author of more than thirty books and plays. With Consider the Butterfly: Stories of Meaningful Coincidence, Carol Lynn moves her relationship with readers in a new and more intimate direction, sharing personal stories in "an innocent and awesome show-and-tell" of her experience with the phenomenon of synchronicity. Carol Lynn is the mother of four grown children and lives in Walnut Creek, California.
Carol Lynn Pearson has established an impressive career as a best-selling author of more than thirty books and plays. With Consider the Butterfly: Stories of Meaningful Coincidence, Carol Lynn moves her relationship with readers in a new and more intimate direction, sharing personal stories in "an innocent and awesome show-and-tell" of her experience with the phenomenon of synchronicity. Carol Lynn is the mother of four grown children and lives in Walnut Creek, California.
Hardcover
First published August 23, 2002
8 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynn Pearson
93 books125 followersFrom http://www.clpearson.com/about_me.htm
In fourth grade, in Gusher, Utah, I won four dollars in a school district essay contest on “Why We Should Eat a Better Breakfast.” And yes, this morning I had a bowl of my own excellent granola, followed by a hike in the hills near my home in Walnut Creek, California.
In high school I began writing in earnest. I have now in my files a folder marked “Poetry, Very Bad,” and another, “Poetry, Not Quite So Bad.” Writing served a good purpose for that very dramatic, insecure adolescent. Also at that time I began to keep a diary, which I still maintain and which has been indescribably useful to me both as a writer and as a pilgrim on the earth.
After graduating from Brigham Young University with an MA in theatre, teaching for a year in Utah at Snow College, and traveling for a year, I taught part-time at BYU in the English department and was then hired by the motion picture studio on campus to write educational and religious screenplays.
While performing at the university as Mrs. Antrobus in Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth,” I met and fell in love with Gerald Pearson, a shining, blond, enthusiastic young man, who fell in love with me and my poems.
“We’ve got to get them published,” he said on our honeymoon, and soon dragged me up to the big city, Salt Lake City, to see who would be first in line to publish them. “Poetry doesn’t sell,” insisted everyone we spoke to, and I, somewhat relieved, put publishing on the list of things to do posthumously.
But not Gerald. “Then I’ll publish them,” he said. Borrowing two thousand dollars, he created a company called “Trilogy Arts” and published two thousand copies of a book called Beginnings, a slim, hard-back volume with a white cover that featured a stunning illustration, “God in Embryo,” by our good friend Trevor Southey, now an internationally known artist. On the day in autumn of 1967 that Gerald delivered the books by truck to our little apartment in Provo, I was terrified. I really had wanted to do this posthumously.
Beginnings
Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand.
You could barely understand,
I know,
As I told you of Beginnings–
Of egg and bird.
Told, too,
That years ago you began,
Smaller than sight.
And then,
As egg yearns for sky
And seed stretches to tree,
You became–
Like me.
Oh,
But there’s so much more.
You and I, child,
Have just begun.
Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be?–
We, who are seed
Of Deity.
We toted a package of books up to the BYU bookstore, and asked to see the book buyer. “Well,” she said, “nobody ever buys poetry, but since you’re a local person, let me take four on consignment.” As they came in packages of twenty, we persuaded her to take twenty--on consignment. Next day she called and asked, “Those books you brought up here. Do you have any more of them?”
I had anticipated that the two thousand books, now stacked in our little closet and under our bed and in my Daddy’s garage, would last us years and years as wedding presents. But immediately we ordered a second printing. Beginnings sold over 150,000 copies before we gave it to Doubleday and then to Bookcraft.
Beginnings was followed by other volumes of poetry: The Search, The Growing Season, A Widening View, I Can’t Stop Smiling, and Women I Have Known and Been. Most of the poems from the earlier books now appear in a compilation, Beginnings and Beyond. The poems have been widely reprinted in such places as Ann Landers’ column, the second volume of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and college textbooks such as Houghton Mifflin’s Structure and Meaning: an Introduction to Literature. That first little volume of verse, and my husband’s determination, laid the foundation for my entire career.
Another characteristic of my husband was to have a profound effect on both
In fourth grade, in Gusher, Utah, I won four dollars in a school district essay contest on “Why We Should Eat a Better Breakfast.” And yes, this morning I had a bowl of my own excellent granola, followed by a hike in the hills near my home in Walnut Creek, California.
In high school I began writing in earnest. I have now in my files a folder marked “Poetry, Very Bad,” and another, “Poetry, Not Quite So Bad.” Writing served a good purpose for that very dramatic, insecure adolescent. Also at that time I began to keep a diary, which I still maintain and which has been indescribably useful to me both as a writer and as a pilgrim on the earth.
After graduating from Brigham Young University with an MA in theatre, teaching for a year in Utah at Snow College, and traveling for a year, I taught part-time at BYU in the English department and was then hired by the motion picture studio on campus to write educational and religious screenplays.
While performing at the university as Mrs. Antrobus in Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth,” I met and fell in love with Gerald Pearson, a shining, blond, enthusiastic young man, who fell in love with me and my poems.
“We’ve got to get them published,” he said on our honeymoon, and soon dragged me up to the big city, Salt Lake City, to see who would be first in line to publish them. “Poetry doesn’t sell,” insisted everyone we spoke to, and I, somewhat relieved, put publishing on the list of things to do posthumously.
But not Gerald. “Then I’ll publish them,” he said. Borrowing two thousand dollars, he created a company called “Trilogy Arts” and published two thousand copies of a book called Beginnings, a slim, hard-back volume with a white cover that featured a stunning illustration, “God in Embryo,” by our good friend Trevor Southey, now an internationally known artist. On the day in autumn of 1967 that Gerald delivered the books by truck to our little apartment in Provo, I was terrified. I really had wanted to do this posthumously.
Beginnings
Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand.
You could barely understand,
I know,
As I told you of Beginnings–
Of egg and bird.
Told, too,
That years ago you began,
Smaller than sight.
And then,
As egg yearns for sky
And seed stretches to tree,
You became–
Like me.
Oh,
But there’s so much more.
You and I, child,
Have just begun.
Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be?–
We, who are seed
Of Deity.
We toted a package of books up to the BYU bookstore, and asked to see the book buyer. “Well,” she said, “nobody ever buys poetry, but since you’re a local person, let me take four on consignment.” As they came in packages of twenty, we persuaded her to take twenty--on consignment. Next day she called and asked, “Those books you brought up here. Do you have any more of them?”
I had anticipated that the two thousand books, now stacked in our little closet and under our bed and in my Daddy’s garage, would last us years and years as wedding presents. But immediately we ordered a second printing. Beginnings sold over 150,000 copies before we gave it to Doubleday and then to Bookcraft.
Beginnings was followed by other volumes of poetry: The Search, The Growing Season, A Widening View, I Can’t Stop Smiling, and Women I Have Known and Been. Most of the poems from the earlier books now appear in a compilation, Beginnings and Beyond. The poems have been widely reprinted in such places as Ann Landers’ column, the second volume of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and college textbooks such as Houghton Mifflin’s Structure and Meaning: an Introduction to Literature. That first little volume of verse, and my husband’s determination, laid the foundation for my entire career.
Another characteristic of my husband was to have a profound effect on both
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 25, 2012
I gave my copy away I loved it so much, and wanted to share it with my friend. It was synchronicity when I found this book!! It's so true, God is everywhere, and it's amazing, when I actually stop and notice, how present he really is!! There are no accidents in life. Everything happens for a reason and I appreciate the opportunity to consider the lessons. I laughed, I cried, I related, I loved this book. I wanted to call her and thank her for writing it. It touched me very much.
December 26, 2012
I found this gem of a book at the library. I love Carol Lynn Pearson's poetry so it caught my eye. Short and easy read with wonderful bits of wisdom. A little taste of her poetry:
I dim
I dim
I have no doubt
If someone blew
I would go out.
I did not
I must be brighter
Than I thought.
Can I just say that I have a little bit of a girl crush on her? I think she is great.
I dim
I dim
I have no doubt
If someone blew
I would go out.
I did not
I must be brighter
Than I thought.
Can I just say that I have a little bit of a girl crush on her? I think she is great.
April 5, 2012
This is one of my favorite books of all time. The subtitle is 'Transforming your life through meaningful coincidence.' Everytime I read I'm reminded of the patterns in our life and that coincidences are rarely random. - March 2009. I finished a third read of this book and it reminded me to look once again at the moments in my life that seem more than coincidental. - March 2012
December 5, 2019
3.5 stars. My sister-in-law had recommended this to me years ago and I am glad I finally picked it up. I hope it helps me to see more moments of God's love in my life. I like the way Carol Lynn Pearson thinks, loves, and sees the world...so artistically and graciously.
"[Synchroncities] are our own miracles and revelations that ground us in the Creator, and guide us in developing a reverence for and comprehension of the creation."
I know only as much of God and the world
As a creature with two eyes must.
But what I do understand, I love,
And what I don't understand, I trust.
"[Synchroncities] are our own miracles and revelations that ground us in the Creator, and guide us in developing a reverence for and comprehension of the creation."
I know only as much of God and the world
As a creature with two eyes must.
But what I do understand, I love,
And what I don't understand, I trust.
September 6, 2018
This book was given to me by a friend after my father passed away. It is full of beautiful insights the author has seen in her own life. It made me much more aware of synchronicity and “coincidence”in my own life, that are often subtle messages from the universe. I have purchased other copies and shared them with friends that I felt needed to hear this message. I have read and re-read this book many times.
August 3, 2019
This one gave me a lot to think about. I especially liked the story about the homeless man.
January 25, 2010
Synchronicities. Read this book and you'll learn more about "transforming your life through meaningful coincidences" as it is subtitled. Shortly after reading our purchased copy of this book I had an e-mail conversation with Carol Lynn, who is an old friend, and mentioned to her that just that day I had purchased a used copy of her book "Women I have Been and Known." It was signed by Carol Lynn "For the women at the Salt Lake Detention Center, especially Brandy, Liz, Christina, Melissa, Catherine and Teren. All best wishes to be strong & powerful & great women from Carol Lynn Pearson." 4-6-95.
Her work with the women in detention is a part of "Consider the Butterfly." Talk of synchronicity! Which we did.
Her work with the women in detention is a part of "Consider the Butterfly." Talk of synchronicity! Which we did.
August 12, 2012
I had insights into my own life while reading her stories. I like the idea of looking for meaning in everything the universe brings you. I do acknowledge though, that our mind is built for this kind of stuff, finding connections with all the random bits of data our brain takes in every day. But that doesn't take away from any of the meaning behind it for me. I choose to believe in both science AND a deeper meaning to life in this universe.
September 9, 2016
An interesting take on how everyday coincidences are more than just coincidences. Although the author is LDS, she certainly embraces all religions and can relate to having lost a child (her adult daughter). Her belief in this idea of "synchronicity" has lead her to quite a few interesting realizations, and some expeiences with her daughter.
February 24, 2011
I'm not really into new-agey stuff, so I was a bit sceptical when I picked this up. The author is new agey, but from a religious point of view, which I can handle. She talks about sychronisities in life -- those little things that connect as a coincedence then take on a bigger meaning. Makes me want to do a sychronisity journal too. Uplifting.
November 30, 2007
I am inside this cover right now, discovering the ways in which Caroll Lynn Phearson has seen God humor her through daily coincidences. It is helping me reflect on my own experiences with Serendipity!
June 10, 2010
Delightful, quick easy read. Over the course of the last few weeks it's made me much more aware of the synchronicities in my life, and a few quotes and paragraphs throughout really struck a chord with where I'm at right now. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2011
Pearson has led an interesting life. She married a man that later declared that he was gay. They divorced and then she nursed him as he slowly died of AIDS. This book shares many stories from her life.
September 23, 2007
This book has many interesting concepts. Sychronicity is an amazing idea. Makes me notice things I never had thought would work together before.
November 12, 2007
grown-ups
Read
July 10, 2008My mother gave this to me before she died. What a gift.
September 4, 2009
A lovely gift from an even lovelier friend. Thanks, Sis.
March 7, 2009
Loved the way this made me more aware of all the synchronicity in my life. I love Carol Lynn Pearson, and this book just made me happy.
March 17, 2009
This book really made me consider the "meaningful coincidences" in life. It's a very different book,and I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but I enjoyed it!
April 6, 2010
I thought this was her worst stuff. I normally completely enjoy her but not this time.
August 29, 2010
An enchanting account of how synchronicity can bring beauty and peace to our lives.
March 14, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book! I admire Carol Lynn's outlook on life.
December 23, 2011
The first book I have ever read by this author and it is more than likely my last.
November 21, 2014
I really like this lady. Very "New Age" and not your typical conservative Mormon, but I like her positive spin on life.
November 27, 2025
Boring as fuck. 95% of the book is the author just talking about herself. Just read Jung at this point
October 6, 2008
I didn't really connect with this book and the power of synchronisity.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews