S2. 10 RESISTANCE TO THE CALL IN THE HERO’S JOURNEY

Musings from La Muse Writers Retreat in SW France where I picked up a book of conversations with Joseph Campbell called An Open Life in its wonderful library. The double entendre between the conversations being intimate in a way that opens us up to the heart and mind of Joseph Campbell - student and educator of The Hero’s Journey - and the open life he led by following his interests and ultimately his bliss, in his life, his career and his marriage. He studied Mythology his whole life and gave us the simple explanation or discernment of Myth as metaphor and not as ideology. He makes the point myth speaks to and from the heart as opposed to a rational, thought process that builds.  A reflection into one of the earliest ‘stages’ in A Hero’s Journey. That being, the Call and the subsequent resistance to it. The idea that very often we deny or resist the contract or call within us because of all it would ask of us and ask that we turn our backs to or step out of, in terms of social norms of safety and security, to follow the call. But here, Campbell asserts the security is only ever illusory, such that the uncertain path very often reveals itself as holding greater treasure. Yields more than we could ever foresee. So the invitation is to be still enough in our lives so as to hear that which beckons our hearts, our soul, our purpose and to gather the courage to, at least, get inquisitive about it. The recognition too, and something to instil in our young, is that we are, each of us, the  HERO in our own story, for all our foibles or failures, strengths and courage.  To speak into your own truth and values as you follow and seek out your purpose and your gifts is the stuff of heros.  From corporate lawyer to full time writer, Julia Mathison, in this 15 MIN EP, shares an ode to the life and work of Joseph Campbell, as he explores how powerfully the metaphor of myth can inform our lives when we recognise it as both invitation and guide. The conversation touches upon but one stage of The Hero’s Journey, the one that takes the greatest amount of trust and perseverance to initially follow and pursue… The Call. Always a personal musing, featuring personal preferences, with a desired message to be kind, follow your hearts direction and accept the calling of your innate gifts.  Support the show THANK YOU FOR LISTENING PURCHASE MY STORIES AT www.jemathison.com