Hero's journey

Svntogreg. Seventh Letter.

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  1. Hero's Journey

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Hero’s Journey

Life is difficult - there can’t be objections in this statement. (Maybe you think otherwise - we will explore this question on the upcoming episodes)

Life becomes increasingly complex and mysterious as we gain more experience about life itself. Our tiny brain cannot comprehend the entirety of life. Life seems huge even if you live in the woods.

Our ancestors have felt the same way. In fact, we share a lot in common when it comes to facing life’s challenges. Our lives are interconnected in an interesting way..

The past generations were very generous when they told us their stories. The beauty of it, is that we can understand all of these stories. Maybe because Saṃsāra is real - who knows right?

They shared their stories about how they found the solutions to life’s challenges. If we are attentive and humble enough, we can listen to what they have to say.

The essence of their wisdom is that…

All we need to become stoic, strong, smart, brave - all of this things - we need to take challenges that life presents to us.

Why we need challenges?

We need them to be able to become better. To evolve. To be able to save many lives.

I think Cardinal Newman answered why we need challenges perfectly. I took his two quotes and made one.

Growth is the only evidence of life.

To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.

Cardinal Newman

Life, family, our own destiny call us to embrace change.

But change is painful, full of mystery and other terrifying things. Are you truly prepared for it? Well.. you aren’t

In fact, you don’t need to be ready to embrace challenge. Yet, even if you feel the need to be prepared, you can choose to remain stagnant.

The thing is: Who said that challenge can only be self-imposed?

Here’s the catch: Sometimes it is your destiny to go to the dark places. Sometimes it is not your own choice. But you are the one to go there - slay the dragon and get the gold to share it with your village. It sounds terrifying. Because Life is indeed terrifying.

But imagine that your story will be shared with the upcoming generations. Parents will be telling their kids how the brave YOU did all of these things.

Stories are important. Hero’s Journey is an important way to communicate what we know about life to others.

deeper intro into the problem. why this problem is significant.

Now, I think, we can agree that we view life in stories. We are creating them, we are getting sad and excited about them.

Your life life is actually your story. Your Own Adventure Book of some kind.

You might be thinking: “Well, why would anyone care about my story? Who would need it?”

The answer to this question will not satisfy you unless you broaden your horizons. What do I mean by that?

Well, it is not only for you to read. It is for the coming generations to read. Even though we are getting better at solving a lot of problems, Our world desperately needs heroes. As we are progressing every day towards a better future (we are pretty much sure that we do) - the number of problems actually rises. With an increasing number of problems to fix we need more heroes to find solutions.

Naturally, the question arises: WHO is a hero?

For me, hero is a person, who is willing to take the challenge. Even again the odds. Even if it seems impossible. Even if you are not worthy the challenge.

Along the journey, hero discovers that he is the CHOSEN ONE.

What are the consequences of not taking the challenge? There are several of them:

  • One consequence of not confronting the difficulties in life is the feeling of being stuck.

    Without actively seeking solutions and growth, we can find ourselves trapped in monotonous routines or unfulfilling circumstances.

    The absence of progress and personal development can create a sense of stagnation, leading to a lack of motivation and a diminished sense of purpose.

  • Secondly, failing to address life's mysteries can result in a pervasive sense of disconnection.

    The unanswered questions, unresolved dilemmas, and unexplored possibilities can leave us feeling detached from our own lives and the world around us.

    This disconnection can breed discontentment, a longing for something more, and a sense of longing for a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

  • Thirdly, the unaddressed challenges and mysteries of life can contribute to a persistent feeling of unfulfillment.

    We find ourselves yearning for a sense of accomplishment, meaning, and inner growth that can only be achieved by embracing change and taking on new experiences.

    By avoiding these challenges, we can miss out on valuable opportunities for personal transformation, leaving them feeling unfulfilled and longing for something greater.

Life's difficulties and mysteries can profoundly impact us, shaping our sense of fulfillment, connection, and overall well-being. When we fail to address these challenges, the consequences can be far-reaching and detrimental.

Now, we’ve discussed the issue thoroughly and in many angles. Let’s look at the template.

HERO’S MYTH TEMPLATE

First of all: Why this concept is essential?

Because there are universal struggles and frustrations that people encounter in their lives. In a sense, we all share the same life, but the context is a bit different for every single one of us.

Ask yourself: Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the complexities of life?
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your own journey?
How did you overcome them?

🌍 Stasis/Status quo - The hero starts in their ordinary world, feeling stuck or discontented, longing for change and personal growth.
They may sense that there is more to life than what they currently experience.

📜 Call to Adventure - The hero receives an invitation or a compelling opportunity for an adventure that promises rewards and transformation.
This call can come from within themselves or from external circumstances, such as a mentor figure, a prophecy, or a life-altering event.

⛔ Refusal of the Call - Initially, the hero may hesitate or resist answering the call. They contemplate the potential consequences, fear the unknown, or doubt their own capabilities.
This refusal is a moment of inner conflict and self-doubt.

🤝 Meeting the Mentor - The hero encounters a wise and experienced mentor figure who provides guidance, support, and valuable insights.
This mentor, like Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars or Gandalf in LOTR, offers wisdom, teaches necessary skills, and instills belief in the hero's abilities.

🚪 Crossing the Threshold - The hero makes a pivotal decision to leave their familiar world behind and enter a new and unfamiliar realm. This crossing of the threshold marks the hero's commitment to the adventure and signifies their willingness to face the challenges that lie ahead.

⚔️ Tests, Allies, Enemies - In this stage, the hero encounters various entities, including allies, enemies, and tests that challenge their abilities and resolve. Through these trials, the hero learns valuable lessons, gains new skills, and proves their worthiness to continue the journey.

🌑 Approach to the Inmost Cave - The hero embarks on a deeper, more introspective phase of the journey. They confront their deepest fears, face their own shadows, and let go of their old identity and beliefs.
This inner descent prepares them for a profound transformation.

💥 Ordeal in the Abyss - The hero undergoes a significant ordeal or confrontation with their greatest fear, often symbolizing a figurative or literal death and rebirth. This transformative experience is a turning point that brings profound change and growth, enabling the hero to rise stronger and wiser.

🌟 Apotheosis - Through the trials and tribulations, the hero attains a greater understanding of themselves, their purpose, and the world around them. They achieve a state of enlightenment, transcending their previous limitations and ascending to a higher level of existence.

💎 The Ultimate Boon - The hero claims the sought-after treasure or reward, which represents the culmination of their journey. This treasure could be knowledge, a physical object, or an intangible quality.
It is earned through the hero's purification, growth, and overcoming of obstacles.

⛰️ Refusal of the Return - After experiencing the transformative journey, the hero may reflect on the necessity of returning to their ordinary world. They might question leaving behind the extraordinary realm they have become accustomed to and the wisdom they have gained.

🚶 The Road Back Home - Despite any reservations, the hero chooses to return to their familiar world, armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and insights. The journey back home is a chance for the hero to integrate their transformation and apply their wisdom to create a changed life.

✨ Master of Two Worlds - The hero achieves a synthesis of their past and present selves, reconciling their ordinary world with the lessons and growth from their adventure.
They become a master of two worlds, embracing their newfound balance, resilience, and fulfillment.

🌍 Return with Special Knowledge - The hero returns to their ordinary world, ready to share their special knowledge and wisdom with others.
They become a mentor figure themselves, inspiring and guiding future heroes on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation

How it is helping YOU self-actualize?
You can almost say that this framework is encoded in your DNA. Unimaginable number of generations safeguarded this mystery for you to use as a compass. Understanding Hero’s Journey Myth is the key to life itself.
This template can be used pretty much everywhere: wherever storytelling is required.

  1. Self-awareness and Perspective:

    Understanding the stages of the Hero's Journey can provide readers with a framework to reflect on their own lives. By recognizing where they are in their personal journey, they can gain a deeper sense of self-awareness and perspective.

    This awareness allows you to evaluate your current situation, identify areas for growth, and make conscious choices about your future.

  2. Embracing Change and Growth:

    The Hero's Journey emphasizes the importance of embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone. By recognizing that challenges and obstacles are part of the transformative process, you can develop a mindset that welcomes growth and personal development.

    You literally become more open to taking risks, and capable of exploring new opportunities and pursue your passions.

  3. Overcoming Adversity:

    The Hero’s Journey often involves facing and overcoming significant challenges.You can gain insights into how heroes navigate and conquer their trials.

    And also, you can draw inspiration from these stories and apply the lessons to your own life. You can become more resilient, persistent.

  4. Empowerment and Ownership:

    The Hero's Journey empowers YOU to take ownership of your life and become the protagonists of your own story. You have the power to shape your destiny, make conscious choices, and create a life aligned with your values.

    This sense of empowerment can encourage you to take responsibility for your actions.

  5. Sharing Wisdom and Becoming Mentors:

    The final stage of the Hero's Journey involves returning with special knowledge and becoming a mentor to future heroes. By understanding this aspect, we can recognize our capacity to share their experiences and wisdom with others.

Exploring Hero’s Journey, YOU can gain valuable insights into your own life, develop a growth-oriented mindset & find inspiration to overcome whatever challenges life throws into you.

Being a hero is a noble way to live your life. Choose to be a hero.

Because you are.

I always love to end my essay/newsletter with call to action. This time we will do it in a true poetic way.

Hope you will enjoy this poem “If you’re going to try, go all the way” by Charles Bukowski.

If you’re going to try, go all the way.

Otherwise, don’t even start.

If you're going to try, go all the way.

This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives, jobs and maybe even your mind.

It could mean not eating for three or four days.

It could mean freezing on a park bench.

It could mean jail.

It could mean derision, mockery, isolation.

Isolation is the gift.

All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it.

And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds.

And it will be better than anything else you can imagine.

If you’re going to try, go all the way.

There is no other feeling like that.

You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire.

DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. All the way

You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is.

Thank YOU for reading!

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Looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Preview of the 8th letter:

  1. Life’s Infinite Games