Chapter 1: Embracing the Morning Light

As I sat quietly by the edge of our pool, gazing at the serene river ravine, I felt a profound sense of solitude, despite being alone. The sun was just beginning to rise over the far-off Balinese hills, illuminating the early morning sky. This time of day has always been my favorite; it offers a rare moment of peace when the world has yet to awaken. In this tranquil state, my thoughts and emotions flow freely, unencumbered by distractions.

Suddenly, a butterfly appeared, fluttering close to me. Initially, I believed it might be injured, as it flew low and erratically. I instinctively reached out to guide it to a safer spot on a nearby branch. Yet, each time I tried, it would flutter away. This butterfly wasn’t new to me; I had encountered it in various locations over the past two decades. It felt like my brother was checking in on me.

The existence of spirits is a topic often debated. However, for me, the opinions of others hold little weight. Discussions surrounding the existence of a divine being, the afterlife, reincarnation, and other spiritual matters transcend scientific inquiry. Our society tends to disregard anything that lies beyond intellectual understanding. This tendency is understandable, given that we dedicate years to education, memorizing facts and being praised for our cognitive abilities.

In this process, we often neglect the spiritual and emotional aspects of our being. Children, who naturally grasp their multifaceted nature—spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical—are molded into beings that often struggle to regain their spiritual balance after years of schooling. This neglect of our deeper selves is a profound loss.

Our understanding of the world cannot be confined solely to intellect. Even the most brilliant scientists acknowledge that there are realms beyond empirical explanation. Yet, in our quest for omniscience, we cling to our intellectual capabilities, which leads to feelings of imbalance as we navigate jobs we dislike and adhere to societal expectations that overlook our personal priorities.

It is only later in life, often after significant realizations, that we begin to understand our true selves. Whether I believe in the existence of spirits does not negatively impact the world around me. It can be frustrating for some that others can perceive dimensions of reality that defy scientific explanation. The rise of science was a reaction to religion, fueled by the Enlightenment—an intellectual movement that prioritized reason over faith.

While blind faith can lead to conflict, true spirituality transcends intellectual constructs. The distinction between intuitive spirituality and its intellectual counterpart is simple: intuitive spirituality does no harm.

My brother first made his presence known to me in Japan shortly after his passing. Strikingly, there were no butterflies in the area where we lived. Despite having a small garden, the bustling city offered little in terms of nature. One day, a butterfly landed on a plant, gently fluttered its wings, and then departed. In the entire seven years I resided in Japan, that was the only butterfly I encountered in our garden.

This belief in the symbolic nature of butterflies is not uncommon. Many cultures view butterflies as powerful symbols of rebirth. For instance, Native American tribes regard them as messengers from the spirit realm, while in Japanese folklore, butterflies are thought to carry the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. Learning that these beliefs align with my own brought me comfort, especially knowing they are part of the culture surrounding my life during my brother's passing.

Butterflies are not the sole reminders of my brother. I sense his presence while fishing in a river with my younger sibling or when walking through a forest and touching a tree he once passed under. Some may argue that I am simply rationalizing my brother's death through comforting beliefs. Perhaps that is true, but I find solace in it.

Chapter 2: The Legacy of a Sibling

I penned a fictional memoir for my children, centered on my belief that my brother was reborn as a butterfly. My writings often reflect my connection to him, as well as to those who have departed:

The first video captures the heartwarming reaction of my brother to a butterfly, emphasizing the joy and innocence of first encounters with nature.

The second video delves into the enchanting world of "My Brother Rabbit," exploring themes of connection and adventure through the lens of a sibling's love.