Sometimes, it seems that life (or writing) is just one struggle after another, one problem after another. On some level, it is. But if you look at it in light of the Hero's Journey, it seems to take on a whole new meaning.
Watch this great TED clip (it's only 4 1/2 minutes)
Watch this great TED clip (it's only 4 1/2 minutes)
Here's an activity that I share with my grade 12 Writer's Craft class, but I think it applies to all of us.
Years ago, when I did it -- when I applied the Hero's Journey to a personal struggle in my past, I had a real epiphany. It just made sense. It felt like that struggle had a greater purpose, I learned from it, I appreciated the mentors I had at that time and, in the end years later, I was able to help others experiencing a similar grief. I saw the whole thing in a whole new light. I saw how I was the hero of that story, not the victim of it and it was a huge moment for me.
Where are you on your journey? Just getting a call that makes you uncomfortable? Looking for a mentor? Finding the courage to cross a threshold into the unknown? Maybe you are facing the dragon or coming home with greater insight.
Stop and think about. Stop running for a moment and see the bigger picture. I'm betting you'll be glad you did.
(here's the reflection assignment I give my class.)
MY HERO’S JOURNEY REFLECTION
DEPARTURE
What is the call -- Describe a time when you were called to step out of your comfort zone, to go beyond your familiar and ordinary world. Who or what was the Herald? Were you open to it or rejecting the call?
Mentor -- Who has been a mentor to you and in what way?
Allies -- Who journeys with you? How have your companions helped you -- what difference has their presence made in your life?
Talisman -- What is something given to you that helps you on your quest?
Thresholds -- What were important turning points, points of no return, or boundaries that you crossed?
INITIATION
Road of Trials -- What tested you? What smaller obstacles and challenges have helped you grow stronger?
Your Dragon? What major obstacle (inner or outer) did you face? What was the cost?
Treasure -- Through facing and overcoming the dragon, what reward did you acquire?
THE RETURN
How has this journey changed you and/or your ordinary world?
Where are you on your journey? Just getting a call that makes you uncomfortable? Looking for a mentor? Finding the courage to cross a threshold into the unknown? Maybe you are facing the dragon or coming home with greater insight.
Stop and think about. Stop running for a moment and see the bigger picture. I'm betting you'll be glad you did.
(here's the reflection assignment I give my class.)
MY HERO’S JOURNEY REFLECTION
DEPARTURE
What is the call -- Describe a time when you were called to step out of your comfort zone, to go beyond your familiar and ordinary world. Who or what was the Herald? Were you open to it or rejecting the call?
Mentor -- Who has been a mentor to you and in what way?
Allies -- Who journeys with you? How have your companions helped you -- what difference has their presence made in your life?
Talisman -- What is something given to you that helps you on your quest?
Thresholds -- What were important turning points, points of no return, or boundaries that you crossed?
INITIATION
Road of Trials -- What tested you? What smaller obstacles and challenges have helped you grow stronger?
Your Dragon? What major obstacle (inner or outer) did you face? What was the cost?
Treasure -- Through facing and overcoming the dragon, what reward did you acquire?
THE RETURN
How has this journey changed you and/or your ordinary world?
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