WHAT I’M LEARNING — PART 2

Nourishing the Soul

What stories are you telling yourself and how do they nourish or deplete your soul?

Have you ever wondered who you are and why you connect with the world and your community in the multitude of ways that you do? I know … life gets in the way. Life can consume you, and pretty soon you lose sight of the deeper reason that shapes your existence. That’s what Joseph Campbell shares in his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces.

There is a timeless wisdom that speaks to the very essence of your being, guiding you back to the sacredness of your soul. At its heart, Campbell’s exploration of the hero’s journey is not merely a literary analysis but a profound spiritual odyssey. Through the lens of myth and folklore, he unveils the universal patterns that underpin the human experience, inviting us to embark on a quest for meaning and enlightenment.

In my world, writers and artists are heroes. Every day they sit down to write, paint, sculpt, cook, create music, or …. Eventually, they get the confidence to allow the world to see, hear, or taste their masterpieces by putting a piece of themselves out into the world for people to read, see, or hear.

Such bravery.

Campbell asks, “Why do we tell the stories that we do about whatever it is that is out there?”[1] What creates fear within you that stops you from being the hero of your own life? We all need to be reminded (I’m guessing) that as we enter our monomyth journey, we will also have a higher capacity to be more present, encouraging, and loving to those in our community.

One of the key concepts Campbell introduces is the monomyth, the idea that all myths and stories share a common structure. Maybe that’s too academic, but if you take a pause and allow yourself to dive a little deeper, you will uncover a profound spiritual truth: that beneath the diversity of human culture lies a universal quest for transcendence. Just as the hero of myth confronts trials and tribulations on their journey, so too do you encounter challenges in your own life. Yet, it is through facing these trials that you grow and evolve, ultimately discovering the divine within yourself.

Another pivotal concept in Campbell’s work is the archetype, the recurring symbols and motifs that populate the world’s myths and legends. These archetypes, whether the wise mentor, shadowy antagonist, or divine helper, resonate deeply within you, reflecting aspects of your psyche. By recognizing these archetypal patterns in your life, you can gain insight into your deepest desires, fears, and aspirations, which allows you to understand that the hero’s journey is not just a mythic construct but a blueprint for your spiritual evolution.

But perhaps the most profound lesson of The Hero with a Thousand Faces lies in its invitation to embrace the call to adventure. Campbell reminds you that you are the hero of your own story, called to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Whether you heed the call or resist it, the journey beckons, offering the promise of growth, wisdom, and ultimately, spiritual fulfillment.

Key Concepts of Nourishing Your Soul

Cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness, confronting your inner demons and embracing your inner strengths. Seek out mentors, guides, life coaches, or spiritual directors who can offer wisdom and support along the way. And perhaps most importantly, cultivate a sense of wonder and awe, recognizing the divine presence that permeates all of existence.

In the end, The Hero with a Thousand Faces is a wonderful reminder that the journey of your soul is not a solitary path but a collective odyssey shared by all humanity. It calls you to awaken to the depths of your being, rediscover the sacred in the mundane, and make sure to pack courage and conviction as you travel forward.

What do you need to step into your invitation from God to go forth and conquer whatever God is leading you to?

Are there moments in your life that align with the stages of the monomyth archetype?

Embrace the Call to Adventure

Take active steps to identify and respond to the “call to adventure” in your own life. This could involve pursuing new experiences, challenges, or opportunities that align with your personal or spiritual growth. Whether it’s starting a new project, embarking on a journey, or seeking out mentors and spiritual guides, answering the call to adventure can lead to profound insights and transformative experiences.

Explore Your Inner World

Dedicate time to exploring your inner world through deep reflection, meditation, journaling, or other contemplative practices. Just as the hero must confront their inner demons and shadows on their journey, confronting your fears, doubts, and limitations can lead to greater self-awareness and spiritual growth. As you learn more about your inner self you will come to see some hidden strengths. Maybe you’ll even clarify your life meaning and values, and gain a deeper understanding of the purpose you have as you journey in this world.

Find Meaning in Everyday Life

Look for opportunities to infuse everyday life with meaning and purpose by recognizing the symbolic significance of your experiences. Just as the hero finds meaning and significance in the challenges they face on their journey, you can find meaning in the ordinary moments of your life. Whether it’s finding inspiration in nature, connecting with others through acts of kindness, or pursuing creative expression, seeking out moments of beauty, wonder, and connection can enrich your spiritual journey and deepen your appreciation for life.

Leave a comment and let me know how you connect to your deeper self. What practices do you include to help guide you spiritually and creatively?

From John O’Donohue

Blessed be the longing that brought you here And quickens your soul with wonder. May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire T hat disturbs you when you have settled for something safe.

May you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease To discover the new direction your longing wants you to take.

May the forms of your belonging — in love, creativity, and friendship — Be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul.

May the one you long for long for you.

May your dreams gradually reveal the destination of your desire.

May a secret Providence guide your thought and nurture your feeling.

May your mind inhabit your life with the sureness with which your body inhabits the world.

May your heart never be haunted by ghost structures of old damage.

May you come to accept your longing as divine urgency. May you know the urgency with which God longs for you.

May you know that you are loved because you matter.

[1] John Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Third ed. (Novato: New World Library, 2008), 11. Kindle Edition.

And, as always, thank you to Portland Seminary and Dr. Jason Clark, our Lead Mentor, as they hold me with grace in my doctorate journey.

sdg © Nancy Blackman