HeroJourneyBrochure12-Pages - Flipbook - Page 11
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main themes
We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
J O S E PH C A M PB E L L , H ER O J OUR N E Y
On the HERO JOURNEY program, we will learn about the main themes
(see below) at the heart of Joseph Campbell’s work. Reading about these
main themes will give you an appreciation for the narrative that will flow
through our journey together.
THEME ONE: OUR HERO JOURNEY
Here we set the scene for our hero journey. Robert and Hollie introduce Joseph
Campbell’s inspiring work. Campbell described a hero as “someone who
has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” He said, “A hero
ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural
wonder. Fabulous forces are there encountered, and a decisive victory is
won.” Who exactly is the hero in the hero journey? The hero is you! The hero is
everyone who has a story to tell and a purpose to live.
THEME T WO: THE END OF NORMAL
The hero journey starts with “the end of normal” and “getting kicked out of
ordinary.” Also called the “inciting incident” in Greek drama. “Toto, I’ve a feeling
we’re not in Kansas anymore,” says Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. The inciting
incident takes many forms. For example, a personal life-event such as, death
of a loved one, end of a relationship, kids leaving the nest, or start of a new
project. And/or a global event such as, a health pandemic, a war, an economic
recession, and climate change. What “end of normal” are you experiencing
now? And what is the “call to adventure” that is summoning you?
THEME THREE: THE C ALL TO ADVENTURE
Here we examine the Call to Adventure and Refusal of the Call. The Call
comes from your soul, the tug of a golden thread, and it summons you to live
your purpose. What is your call to adventure right now? “The big question is
whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure,” said
Campbell. Are you saying a hearty YES or are you refusing the call – doubting
yourself, afraid to begin, distracting yourself, or unsure of what to do next? It’s
time to begin!
