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The Hero’s Journey (Part 1 of 4)
COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY: THE HERO’S JOURNEY – PART I
A mantra that changed my life (from my Priestess Ariel): “COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY”
In other words, when we compare ourselves to our colleagues, siblings, friends or anyone else, we rob ourselves of the joy and magic in our present circumstance.
- Do you wonder why someone else achieved professional success so easily?
- Or why everyone else seems to be in a wonderful relationship and you can’t find a man?
- Or why you are struggling with health issues and everyone else seems so healthy and vital?
Widen your perspective and take heed in your own epic journey.
THE HERO’S JOURNEY
Legendary mythologist Joseph Campbell studied cultures, myths and stories from all different times in history and regions of the world. He recognized that literally all myths and legends (from Aboriginals, Native Americans, to Roman/Greek mythology, to the story of Buddha, Christ, the Bhagavad Gita, etc…) had an identical theme running through as a common denominator.
He called it: THE HERO’S JOURNEY (or The Heroine’s Journey). This is the cycle of personal rising and falling, victories and disappointments that we all face. It’s universal and it’s unending.
Legends, myths and stories are humanity’s attempt to depict and make meaning of the universal experience of human life.
Our power lies when we learn to continually venture into the unknown (beyond our comfort zone), leave our tribe and go off to fight the battles of life (inner and outer). Tools and guides will appear. If we proceed with courage, we will return changed and with an unspeakable treasure – our True Self.
SHAMANIC PILGRIMAGE
This 4 part blog series is dedicated to THE HERO’S JOURNEY. It is one of the great tools for understanding the difficulties of life and serves as a map showing us the way inward. Every couple years, I lead a profound Shamanic Yoga Pilgrimage into the heart of the Peruvian Andes and the ancient, mystical power point of Machu Picchu based on THE HERO’S JOURNEY. Through this series and the bi-annual retreat, I will systematically offer you these tools to serve you on your path of awakening.
THE CALL TO ADVENTURE
The first stage of the Hero’s Journey is THE CALL. Hearing the call to adventure or the call of your soul/psyche – your inner yearning, purpose, dharma – and following it’s prompts is the work of the hero/heroine. In other words: listen to, hear and follow your truth. You will be called away from your tribe, out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.
This is where the magic lies (more on this in PART 2)
ENTERING THE FORREST
When answering the call to adventure and entering the forest of the unknown – you must venture on your own.
When you embark on your voyage – one thing is for sure: you cannot follow another’s path. You are called to fight your own battles – alone. King Arthur’s Knights of the Roundtable collectively decided to go in search of the Holy Grail. But, when they entered the forest to begin their trek, they each entered at their own point. There is no right way. They each had their own battles to fight and demons to slay in pursuit of victory.
GUARANTEE: If you are following in someone else’s footsteps or find yourself on a well-trodden path – you are NOT on your path!
YOUR PERSONAL BRAND OF MAGIC
This week, look back at your life and identify what themes or patterns define your journey. We are all here to learn different lessons, slightly different curriculum – or as Caroline Myss says: we each have our own “soul contracts”. Some of us are challenged with money, some of are seeking our beloved and yearning for a partnership or to have a child, some of us struggle with early childhood trauma or finding our purpose and passion in work.
Notice how easy it is to compare your path or phase of life to someone else’s. They cannot fight your battles. You cannot fight theirs.
Trust the timing in your life. Trust the lessons that you are here to learn. Some things come much more easily to you than other people. Some things may be a continuous challenge in your life. This is where your personal brand of magic lies. In your uniqueness and perfect imperfection.
Let go of comparing and assessing. You are on your own epic journey. Enjoy!
Check out PART 2 for more tools from the Hero’s Journey. Please share what lessons you are here to learn and leave a comment below.
Blessings on the path,
Ashley
*** If you are interested in a future PERU SHAMANIC YOGA PILGRIMAGE: The Hero’s Journey, you can get on the waitlist here.
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I am very good at hearing The Call and setting out on adventure, Entering the Forest on my own unique path. It just never seems to lead anywhere that moves me forward in my career/love life. I return home to the same place at the end of each adventure, even though I have a stronger sense of self from it. When I look back I have a string of awesome adventures, but none of them have so far led to making a film, love, or a stable job career path as I had hoped would transpire from the experience. I feel I’m still waiting for the dots to connect. Will look to Part 2 to see if that helps, since I’m very good at these first two steps of the journey…
Pingback: The Hero’s Journey – part 4 - Ashley Turner
Pingback: The Hero’s Journey – part 4 - Ashley Turner
Pingback: The Hero's Journey - part 4 VIDEO w/ Ashley Turner. Joseph Campbell
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Pingback: The Hero’s Journey – part 2 - Ashley Turner
Pingback: The Hero's Journey - part 2 VIDEO w/ Ashley Turner. Joseph Campbell...
Ashley — This was exactly what I needed to hear today! I loved your video-blog! I just bookmarked your site, and will check back often! You sound like someone I would want to be friends with (if I could stop comparing myself to you!). Very thought-provoking! Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Namaste and Saprema,
Laura
Wow, thanks Ashley. This really resonates with me. Lots of good stuff to think about! Definitely want to check out the film! Happy Thanksgiving!
I think it is really very hard to distinguish yourself from your surroundings, your parents, your friends, your professors (your heros) . I find myself imitating the people I admire constantly, and then when alone I wonder who am I really? Sometimes I think that the more important question is – who do I want to be? (be your own hero?)
and then from there surround yourself with a supportive atmosphere – and work towards building your own idea of a community you want to be a part of.
So truly inspiring. I have been practicing yoga for about 7 years and teaching for 3. I talk in my classes a lot about the process of awareness and non-judgment …etc…. And lately I have found my own self judgement/comparison meter elevated. My biggest struggle/ journey/ path is allowing myself to be who I really am in every situation and moment. I find myself playing small out of fear and then resenting later that I chose that and then become dumbfounded when I don’t advance/ accomplish things the way I know I want to/can …MONEY…feels like the great wall of China for me to just make a living doing what I love…It’s good to be reminded that we are all on our own path…and they will all appear different. Keep up your awesome work in this world!! Big Love, Jennifer
I have Joseph Campbell’s book, The Hero’s Journey, on my bookshelf right now, within a foot of my head as I sleep!!! Have not gotten around to reading it through but now I will…thanks for this:)