The art of Spiritual Direction

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I have had more than a few people ask me if I do spiritual direction (I do) and what is it if I do. So here is a blog to talk about just that.

In the quiet moments of our lives, when the noise of the world fades away, we often find ourselves yearning for a deeper connection with the Divine or the “other”. This longing is not merely a desire for spiritual growth but a profound call to explore the depths of our being and our relationship with God as we try to understand it.  For many, this journey is illuminated through the practice of spiritual direction—a sacred companionship that guides individuals toward a more intimate and authentic relationship with the Divine.

The Essence of Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is an ancient practice rooted in the Christian tradition, where a trained spiritual director accompanies an individual, known as the directee, on their spiritual journey. This relationship is characterized by deep listening, compassionate guidance, and a shared commitment to discerning God’s presence in everyday life. Unlike counseling or therapy, which focus on addressing specific psychological issues, spiritual direction centers on nurturing the directee’s relationship with God, fostering spiritual growth, and discerning divine guidance.

A Sacred Companionship

At the heart of spiritual direction lies the concept of companionship. The spiritual director serves as a companion who listens attentively to the directee’s experiences, joys, struggles, and questions, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration. This relationship is built on trust, openness, and a shared commitment to spiritual growth. The director’s role is not to provide answers but to help the directee attune their heart and mind to the movements of the Spirit, fostering a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their life.

I started my own spiritual direction with a director 45 or 50 years ago and have had only three in that time. I can be very vulnerable and say that it has been the most enriching time of my life. Some of the time I was beat up lovingly, some of the time listened to with a deep and abiding love and other times teaching was involved.

Lynette and I now go to the same director at the same time which is not common but can work for those couples that care to grow together. Our present director has helped us greatly by gently guiding, deeply listening and holding us accountable to our choices we wanted to make. I have been seeing her for about 17 years and together we have seen her for about 11 years.

The Process of Spiritual Direction

Typically, spiritual direction involves regular meetings—often once a month—lasting about an hour. During these sessions, the directee is encouraged to reflect on their spiritual experiences, explore questions of faith, and discern God’s guidance in their life. The director may suggest practices such as prayer, meditation, or reading to support the directee’s spiritual journey. The focus is on the directee’s relationship with God within all aspects of life, helping them become more attuned to God’s presence and respond more fully to that presence.

Qualities of a Spiritual Director

In spiritual direction, a holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of the spiritual life with all facets of human existence. A director assists the directee in integrating their faith into daily life, recognizing that the divine presence permeates every aspect of their being. This perspective fosters a deeper awareness that there is nowhere the divine is not, encouraging the directee to perceive and experience the sacred in all moments and activities.

Embodied presence is central to this practice, emphasizing that the body holds profound wisdom. A director encourages the directee to become attuned to their emotions, sensations, and tensions, viewing these bodily experiences as avenues for spiritual insight. By turning actions into prayer and cultivating mindfulness, the directee learns to listen to their body’s language, facilitating a deeper connection with their inner self and the divine. This approach aligns with somatic-informed spiritual care, which combines body-mind psychology with presence-based care to support healing and self-discovery. (artofspiritualcare.com)

Creating spaciousness involves establishing a sacred environment that holds all that the directee brings, allowing for deep listening and receptivity to the divine spark within. This sacred space fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion, enabling the directee to explore their spiritual journey without fear of judgment. Contemplative listening is a key component of this process, where the director listens with the ears and heart of God, offering silence, reflections, and deepening questions to support the directee’s spiritual unfolding.

Trauma-informed sensitivity is crucial in spiritual direction, recognizing the impact of trauma on the body, mind, and spirit. A director grounds the direction in neuroscience and psychology to support healing and integration, being attuned to signs of dysregulation and knowing when to refer to a therapist. By integrating trauma-informed principles, the director creates a safe environment that acknowledges the directee’s experiences and promotes spiritual growth. (hadeninstitute.com)

The Journey of Transformation

Embarking on spiritual direction is a journey of transformation. It involves unlearning old patterns and embracing new ways of being. As one spiritual director notes, “The spiritual life has more to do with unlearning than it does with learning.” This process may require descending into the depths of one’s interior to ascend to new heights of holiness. Rather than achieving perfection, the journey leads to a radical breaking apart that results in wholeness. A spiritual director, having undergone their own crucible, offers a compassionate and spacious presence to hold others in their journey.

Approaching Spiritual Direction

Embarking on the journey of spiritual direction is a profound step toward deepening your relationship with the Divine. Selecting a spiritual director who aligns with your unique spiritual path is crucial for this journey. Compatibility is paramount; choose a director with whom you feel comfortable sharing your spiritual experiences and questions. This comfort fosters an environment of trust and openness, essential for meaningful spiritual growth.

Experience and training are also vital considerations. Seek a director who is experienced in the spiritual life and has received appropriate training in spiritual direction. A well-trained director can offer guidance rooted in a deep understanding of spiritual practices and traditions, ensuring that the direction you receive is both informed and effective. Additionally, openness and receptivity are key traits to look for. A director who is open to your unique spiritual path and receptive to the movements of the Spirit in your life can help you discern and respond to divine guidance more clearly.

As an example, I was first trained 30 years ago by the Dominican Sisters for 2.5 years in Columbus Ohio and then later I went through another 2-year spiritual direction training to brush up on my skills with the Haden Institute in Hendersonville NC. Along with that training, being a MCC, (master certified coach), enneagram teacher, emotional intelligence coach and other things means I can bring a wealth of knowledge to a session.

Remember, spiritual direction is a personal journey, and finding the right companion can make all the difference in deepening your relationship with the Divine. Take the time to prayerfully consider your options, perhaps meeting with a few directors to discern the best fit. As you embark on this path, trust that the Spirit will guide you to a director who will support and challenge you in your spiritual growth.

I feel very strongly that spiritual direction offers a sacred space for individuals to explore their relationship with God, seek guidance, and grow in spiritual maturity. And that area of our being is one of least informed quadrants of the 4 we have, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Through the compassionate companionship of a trained director, individuals can discern God’s presence in their lives, integrate their faith into daily experiences, and embark on a transformative journey toward wholeness and holiness. Whether you’re seeking intimacy with God, clarity in life decisions, or simply a deeper understanding of your spiritual path, spiritual direction provides the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the spiritual journey.

Follow my other blog posts at the Spiritofeq.com/blog/

If you are interested in spiritual direction and would like to talk about it my email is jim@spiritofeq.com

Eddy hopping 3 the safest place

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Reflecting on my journey, I often liken life to a river—constantly flowing, sometimes calm, other times turbulent. This metaphor has been a guiding principle, helping me understand the twists and turns that have led me to where I am today. Just as a river encounters obstacles and changes course, our lives are filled with unexpected events and challenges that shape our path. Embracing this perspective has allowed me to navigate life’s uncertainties with resilience and adaptability.

In my personal experience, viewing life as a river has provided clarity during difficult times. It reminds me that, like water, we can find new paths when faced with obstacles. This mindset encourages me to embrace change and trust in the process, knowing that each experience contributes to my growth and understanding. By accepting the ebb and flow of life, I find peace in the journey, appreciating both the calm and the storm.

Early Life: Navigating the Rapids

Growing up in Detroit, I faced challenges that set me apart. Undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD made me feel like an outsider, struggling to fit in. The 1960s were a tumultuous time, and my draft number was “2,” indicating military service in the Army very soon. Choosing to join the Navy was a decision that accelerated my maturation and frankly saved my life.

After my service, I married young and became a father. While my first marriage ended, it brought me a daughter whom I cherish deeply. The end of that chapter was marked by grief and reflection, but it also paved the way for personal growth.

Second Marriage: A New Chapter

My second marriage introduced me to a woman who had lots of integrity and love. Together, we had a child, a journey I recounted in my blog, “Cracked Open.” However, circumstances led us to part ways, and once again, I found myself reflecting on love, relationships, and my own identity.

Discovering the Enneagram: Understanding My Inner Self

Throughout these experiences, I grappled with understanding my behaviors and emotions. The Enneagram, a personality framework, became a tool for self-discovery. It illuminated my core motivations and fears, helping me comprehend why I acted the way I did. I realized I could be deeply loving and supportive, yet, at times, overwhelmed by anger and shame.

The Enneagram is a model of the human psyche that categorizes personalities into nine interconnected types. Each type has its own set of motivations, fears, and behaviors. By identifying my type, I gained clarity about the underlying forces shaping my experiences. This self-awareness was the first step toward personal growth and transformation.

Meeting Lynette: Finding My Eddy

Then, the river took a significant turn. I met Lynette. Initially, I didn’t think much of her or even like her, but over time, our professional collaborations blossomed into a deep friendship. We shared a mutual understanding of life’s journey, spirituality and as we both became free from previous relationships, our bond deepened. We married on a small farm, surrounded by close friends and family.

Lynette became my “Eddy”—a term I use to describe a place of rest and renewal amidst life’s rapid flow. In the context of our journey, an “Eddy” refers to a calm, peaceful area in a river where one can pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. For me, Lynette was that sanctuary, providing a space where I could find solace and peace. And I realize deeply that not everyone has a person that can be their eddy. But in the way I am writing this blog an eddy can be any place, person or thing that helps you find peace in a storm or the wild rapids.

Eddy Hopping: A Metaphor for Rest and Renewal

Over the past decade, Lynette and I have immersed ourselves in diverse spiritual trainings across the globe, profoundly enriching our lives and deepening our understanding of the world. These experiences have introduced us to various practices and philosophies, each offering unique insights and perspectives. Through this journey, we have embraced the concept of “Eddy Hopping,” a practice that involves intentionally seeking moments of rest and peace amidst the rapid flow of life’s demands. This practice has become a metaphor for finding pockets of tranquility, allowing us to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. In this context, Lynette has become my personal Eddy—a sanctuary where I can find solace and clarity amidst the chaos.

The concept of “Eddy Hopping” serves as a reminder to intentionally seek out these moments of peace and reflection. Just as a river flows continuously, life often propels us forward without pause. However, by consciously seeking out these “Eddies,” we can find moments of respite that allow us to rejuvenate and gain clarity. This practice has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of modern life, providing a space to reconnect with ourselves and our purpose. By incorporating “Eddy Hopping” into our daily routines, we have cultivated a deeper sense of balance and well-being, enabling us to face life’s challenges with greater resilience and mindfulness.

The River’s Flow: Embracing Life’s Journey

Reflecting on my life’s journey, I perceive it as a river’s flow—a continuous series of experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. This metaphor aligns with the Kawa model, a culturally responsive framework in occupational therapy that uses the river to represent human occupation and life flow. The challenges, relationships, and moments of self-discovery have been integral to my growth, each contributing to the unique path I’ve traveled. Embracing the river’s flow signifies accepting life’s unpredictability and finding ways to navigate its challenges. It involves seeking out moments of peace and reflection, whether through relationships, personal practices, or other means. By doing so, we can find balance and fulfillment amidst the chaos.

The river’s ceaseless flow symbolizes the constant passage of time and the potential for personal growth, transformation, and spiritual cleansing. Just as a river adapts to its surroundings, we too can learn to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. This perspective encourages us to embrace change, trust the journey, and find strength in our ability to adapt and grow. By viewing life as a river, we can appreciate the ebb and flow of our experiences and find peace in the knowledge that each moment contributes to our ongoing journey.

Embracing the Flow

Life’s river is unpredictable, but embracing its flow, seeking moments of rest, and understanding oneself can lead to profound peace and fulfillment. My journey has been one of self-discovery, love, and growth. And friends, the journey has not always been fun, but through the metaphor of the river and the concept of Eddy Hopping, I have learned to navigate life’s challenges and find moments of peace amidst the flow.

Note: This post concludes my series on Eddy Hopping. I share these personal reflections with Lynette’s permission, hoping they resonate with others on their own journeys.

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When I first encountered the term “cracked open,” I was intrigued yet perplexed. Having immersed myself in the spiritual and coaching realms for many years, I had never come across this expression. Over time, I discovered that for many, it signifies a profound transformation—be it a deep revelation, intense pain, or an overwhelming experience of love. For a year, I felt compelled to explore this concept from the perspective of love, and now, I want to share my reflections on being “cracked open.”

The Essence of Being “Cracked Open” in Love

Being “cracked open in love” refers to the profound transformation that occurs when we allow ourselves to experience love fully. Did you catch that key word? ALLOW! Embracing both its joys and its challenges. This process often involves vulnerability, as we expose our innermost selves to another, which can lead to personal growth and deeper connections. As Jeff Foster notes, love is “pure potential and pure presence,” welcoming every feeling and impulse, whether gentle or painful. (absentofi.org)

Embracing this openness can be daunting, scary, and unpredictable, as it requires confronting our fears and uncertainties. However, by surrendering to the experience, we allow ourselves to be transformed. Rebecca Campbell suggests that through life’s trials, we can “let our wounds be alchemized,” turning pain into growth and resilience. (rebeccacampbell.me) Can you imagine, for a moment, what that would mean in your life? Allowing your wounds to be alchemized.

Ultimately, being cracked open in love leads to a more authentic and connected existence. It teaches us to embrace our imperfections and to see the beauty in our shared humanity. As we open our hearts, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world.

A Personal Journey: The Birth of My Daughter

I recall a pivotal moment when my youngest child was born. As an Enneagram Type 8, I was determined to be actively involved in the delivery process. Over 40 years ago, this was unconventional, but I was resolute. I underwent a crash course with the doctor, learning about childbirth procedures. Confident and prepared, I was ready to assist in bringing my daughter into the world.

However, the reality of the experience was beyond anything I had anticipated. My daughter, Juls, emerged all purple, having inhaled amniotic fluid, and was struggling to breathe. In that moment, I was overwhelmed and “cracked open.” I fell to my knees in the delivery room and whispered to a God I hadn’t spoken to often, “Please.”

I was cracked open in love in a way I had never known before.

Although I did not know it then, the question became: How do I embrace this miracle?

Embracing the Miracle

Embracing the miracle of Juls’ birth required me to confront my vulnerabilities and fears that I did not know were there. It meant surrendering to the unknown and trusting in the process of life. This experience taught me that love is not just a feeling but a transformative force that can reshape our very being.

As I held Juls for the first time, I felt a surge of love that was both exhilarating and humbling. It was a love that demanded my presence, my attention, and my openness. It was a love that cracked me open, allowing me to experience life in its fullest expression.

The Alchemy of Love

Rebecca Campbell speaks of the alchemy of life’s trials, suggesting that we can “let our wounds be alchemized,” turning pain into growth and resilience. (rebeccacampbell.me) This concept resonated deeply with me. The challenges and uncertainties I faced during Juls’ birth were not just obstacles but opportunities for transformation. Can you see times and places in your life that are opportunities for transformation now?

By embracing the pain and fear, I allowed myself to be transformed. I learned to trust in the process of life and to surrender to the unknown. This experience taught me that love is not just about joy and happiness but also about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions.

The Role of Vulnerability

Vulnerability played a crucial role in this transformation. And that is something that “8’s” do not do, ever. By exposing my innermost fears and uncertainties, I created space for love to enter. As Jeff Foster notes, love is “pure potential and pure presence,” welcoming every feeling and impulse, whether gentle or painful. (absentofi.org)

Allowing myself to be vulnerable opened me up to a deeper connection with Juls and with myself. It taught me that true love requires us to be open, to be present, and to embrace the unknown.

The Beauty of Imperfections

Through this experience of Jul’s birth, I learned to embrace my imperfections. Yes, I have them, smile. I realized that it is our flaws and vulnerabilities that make us human and connect us to others. As we open our hearts, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Embracing our imperfections allows us to see the beauty in our shared humanity. It teaches us that we are all connected and that our experiences, both joyful and painful, are part of the tapestry of life.

A Call to Embrace Love Fully

Being cracked open in love is not just about personal transformation but also about contributing to the collective healing of humanity. It is about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences and allowing them to shape us into more compassionate and connected individuals.

As we open our hearts and allow ourselves to be cracked open, we create space for love to enter and transform us. We learn to trust in the process of life and to surrender to the unknown. We embrace our imperfections and see the beauty in our shared humanity.

In embracing love fully, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world. So, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences of being cracked open in love. How have these moments transformed you? How can you embrace love more fully in your life?

Remember, love is not just a feeling but a transformative force that can reshape our very being. By allowing ourselves to be “cracked open,” we open ourselves to the miracles of life and the profound connections that await us.

Eddy Hopping 2 more to consider

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I have taken the first Eddy Hopping post and expanded it for the series, so, life, much like navigating a river’s rapids, presents us with challenges that can seem overwhelming. In my journey, I found that applying the concept of “eddy hopping”—a kayaking technique—provided profound insights into overcoming personal obstacles. Read on for info with Eddy Hopping 2.

The Rapids of Life

Imagine kayaking through turbulent waters, where the current is strong, and the path ahead is unclear. The rapids represent life’s challenges, and the eddies—calm pockets of water behind obstacles—symbolize moments of respite and reflection. During these times, the next eddy may seem distant, and the journey ahead uncertain.

Strategic Pauses: Embracing the Eddies

In kayaking, eddy hopping involves moving from one eddy to another, using these pauses to rest and reassess. Similarly, in life, taking moments to breathe, reflect, and recalibrate our path allows us to approach challenges with renewed clarity and purpose. Incorporating practices like centering prayer and meditation into my routine became essential as I navigated each session.

Continuous Learning: Viewing Setbacks as Steppingstones

Every setback on the river is an opportunity to adapt and grow. Embracing the idea that mistakes are not failures but steppingstones toward improvement transformed my approach to challenges, making them less daunting and more manageable. This mindset shift was crucial in navigating both the river and life’s obstacles.

Valuing Personal Perspective: Trusting Your Inner Compass

In our journey through life, it’s natural to seek guidance from others. However, when external opinions are predominantly negative, they can cloud our judgment and steer us away from our true path. It’s essential to recognize that while feedback can be valuable, it shouldn’t dictate our decisions. Trusting our own perspective and intuition is vital in making choices that align with our authentic selves.

Self-trust acts as an internal filter, sifting through external noise and internal doubts to reveal a clearer path forward. Psychologically, self-trust is deeply intertwined with our sense of self-worth and autonomy. When we trust ourselves, we validate our own internal experience, reducing reliance on external approval and allowing us to make decisions based on intrinsic motivation rather than the pursuit of external validation. (lifestyle.sustainability-directory.com)

Just as a kayaker must trust their instincts to navigate the river, we must trust ourselves to navigate life’s challenges. In kayaking, especially in steep creeks, paddlers often face situations where they can’t see the entire path ahead. They must break down big moves into smaller, manageable steps, trusting their skills and intuition to guide them through unseen challenges. This approach mirrors life, where we may not always have a clear view of the future but can trust our abilities to handle whatever comes our way. (sundancekayak.com)

By cultivating self-trust, we empower ourselves to make decisions that resonate with our core values and beliefs. This confidence not only enhances our decision-making but also fosters resilience, enabling us to face life’s uncertainties with assurance and clarity.

Intentional Progression: Setting Clear, Achievable Goals

In kayaking, setting clear objectives and moving toward them with intention is crucial. I learned to break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, making the journey less overwhelming and more structured. This approach provided a sense of direction as I checked off each success, both on the river and in life.

Applying the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—has been instrumental in this process. For instance, instead of a vague goal like “improve my paddling,” I set a specific target: “Increase my paddling distance by 10% each month for the next six months.” This goal is measurable, achievable, relevant to my overall kayaking objectives, and time-bound, providing a clear timeline for assessment. (nelo.eu)

By consistently setting and achieving these SMART goals, I not only enhanced my kayaking skills but also developed a structured approach to personal growth. Each milestone achieved reinforced my confidence and motivation, demonstrating the power of intentional goal setting in both athletic pursuits and daily life.

Maintaining Balance: The Importance of Self-Care

In the pursuit of goals, it’s easy to become consumed by work and responsibilities. However, recognizing the importance of self-care and the need to recharge is essential for sustained progress. Just as a paddler must rest to navigate the river effectively, taking time for us is crucial for overall well-being.

Seeking Support: The Power of Community

Reaching out to mentors, friends, and colleagues who offer diverse perspectives and encouragement was transformative. Their insights and experiences provided valuable guidance, reminding me that I was not alone in my journey. In kayaking, having a support system can make all the difference in navigating challenging waters. The kayaking community is known for its inclusivity and support for paddlers of all backgrounds. Inclusive events, mentorship programs, and community service initiatives foster a welcoming environment where paddlers can connect, share experiences, and grow together. (skippingfishboatschool.org)

Engaging with a supportive network not only enhances technical skills but also builds confidence and resilience. Whether it’s through participating in group paddles, attending workshops, or simply sharing stories, these connections enrich the kayaking experience. As one paddler noted, having a group of friends with whom you are comfortable, and trust can help you grow personally and expand your paddling abilities. (delkayaks.co.uk) This camaraderie is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving personal milestones on the water.

Two Tips to Enhance Your Journey

  1. Embrace Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating meditation and centering prayer into your routine can enhance self-awareness and inner peace. These practices help in recognizing thought patterns and developing greater control over the mind, leading to reduced stress and anxiety. (jiyushe.com)
  2. Set Incremental Goals: Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes the journey less overwhelming and provides a clear roadmap toward achieving your goals. Celebrating small successes along the way can boost motivation and confidence. (positivity.org)

Overcoming personal challenges is akin to navigating a river’s rapids, where strategic pauses, continuous learning, self-trust, intentional progression, self-care, and community support serve as essential tools. In kayaking, the technique of eddy hopping involves moving from one calm water area (eddy) to another, allowing paddlers to rest, plan, and reassess their route. This method mirrors the approach we can adopt in life: pausing to reflect, learning from each experience, and trusting ourselves to make informed decisions. By embracing these principles, we can traverse life’s obstacles with resilience and purpose.

Just as a kayaker relies on their skills and support system to navigate the river, we too can rely on our inner resources and community to overcome life’s challenges. Seeking support from friends, family, mentors, or professionals can provide new perspectives and guidance, much like how a kayaker might consult with fellow paddlers or instructors to improve their technique. Setting clear, achievable goals and developing a plan to reach them can help us stay focused and motivated, like how a kayaker plans their route and maneuvers through the water. Prioritizing self-care ensures we have the energy and mental clarity to tackle obstacles, just as a kayaker must maintain their physical and mental well-being to perform effectively on the water. By applying these strategies, we can navigate life’s rapids with confidence and purpose.

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The journey of overcoming personal challenges is a dynamic process that requires a combination of strategic pauses, continuous learning, self-trust, intentional progression, self-care, and community support. By adopting these principles, inspired by the concept of eddy hopping in kayaking, we can navigate life’s rapids with resilience and purpose. Just as a kayaker relies on their skills and support system to navigate the river, we too can rely on our inner resources and community to overcome life’s challenges. Embracing these strategies empowers us to face obstacles head-on, learn from each experience, and emerge stronger and more capable in our personal growth journey.

The Hero’s Journey, to the extraordinary

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In our ordinary everyday life, it’s easy to feel ensnared in a repetitive cycle: wake up, go to McDonalds, work, sleep, and repeat. This routine, while comforting, (most of the time) can sometimes leave us yearning for something more—a deeper sense of purpose, adventure, or fulfillment. This longing mirrors the essence of the Hero’s Journey, a concept made available by Joseph Campbell in his seminal work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Campbell identified a universal pattern in myths and stories across cultures, illustrating how individuals transition from their ordinary world into an extraordinary realm, undergo transformation, and return with newfound wisdom. And if you ever wondered if you could be a hero, you can!

The Ordinary World: A Place of Comfort and Familiarity

Go with me here, imagine you’re in the “Ordinary World” and this is the hero’s starting point—a realm of comfort, routine, and predictability. It’s where all of us feel the safest, surrounded by familiar faces and environments. For many, this world is characterized by daily responsibilities, your familiar expectations, and a sense of normalcy. However, beneath this surface, there can lie a subtle dissatisfaction or a yearning for something more meaningful.

Consider the story of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars that helped me dream of realms beyond what I could see. Before his adventure begins, Luke is a farm boy on the desert planet of Tatooine, leading a monotonous life. His days are filled with mundane tasks, and he dreams of a life beyond the stars. This dissatisfaction with the ordinary world propels him toward the extraordinary.

The Call to Adventure: A Catalyst for Change

In every hero’s journey, there comes a moment—a “Call to Adventure”—that disrupts the status quo. This call can manifest in various forms: an unexpected event, a challenge, or an inner desire for change. It’s the universe’s way of nudging the hero out of their comfort zone and into the unknown, and you must admit there is a call.

For Luke, the call comes when he discovers a message hidden in a droid, leading him to the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, my favorite character.  This encounter sets him on a path that will forever alter his destiny. Similarly, in our lives, the call might appear as a new opportunity, a sudden realization, or a compelling desire to pursue a passion we’ve long ignored

Crossing the Threshold: Embracing the Unknown

Answering the call requires great courage, folks. The “Crossing of the Threshold” is the hero’s commitment to leave the ordinary world and everything he or she knows behind and venture into the unknown. It’s a leap of faith, embracing uncertainty and the potential for growth.

Luke’s decision to leave Tatooine and join Obi-Wan is a classic example. He steps into a galaxy filled with unknowns, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. In our example crossing the threshold might involve changing careers, moving to a new city, or pursuing a long-held dream.

The Extraordinary World: A Realm of Transformation

Once the threshold is crossed, the hero enters the “Extraordinary World.” This is a realm where the usual rules don’t apply, filled with challenges, allies, and enemies. It’s a place of growth, danger, learning, and transformation.

In the extraordinary world, the hero faces trials that test their resolve, skills, and character. They encounter mentors who provide guidance and allies who offer support. These experiences shape the hero, preparing them for the ultimate challenge.

The Return: Bringing Back the Elixir

After overcoming trials and achieving their goal, the hero returns to the ordinary world, transformed and enlightened. They bring back the “elixir”—wisdom, knowledge, or a gift—that benefits their community.

Luke returns to the Rebel Alliance, armed with the knowledge and skills to confront the Empire. Similarly, in our lives, the return signifies applying the lessons learned from our adventures to improve ourselves and those around us.

Applying the Hero’s Journey to Our Lives

The Hero’s Journey isn’t just a narrative structure for stories; it’s a framework for personal growth and transformation. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, face challenges, and emerge stronger and wiser.

Action Steps to Embark on Your Own Hero’s Journey

  1. Identify Your Call to Adventure: Reflect on areas in your life where you feel unfulfilled or stagnant. What opportunities or desires are calling you to make a change? This could be a new career path, a creative endeavor, or a personal goal you’ve set aside.
  2. Take the First Step: Embrace the unknown by taking a concrete action toward your goal. This might involve enrolling in a course, reaching out to a mentor, or dedicating time to your passion. Remember, the journey begins with a single step, and each step brings you closer to your transformation.

By recognizing the stages of the Hero’s Journey within our own lives, we can navigate our personal quests with purpose and resilience. Embracing this journey allows us to transcend the ordinary, confront challenges, and return with wisdom that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

A story. When I started Varment Guard in 1983 with Mike and after getting agreement from my wife, we set out on a journey of discovery, we did NOT know anything, nothing about what we were about to do.  But what we did have was our motto, “failure is not an option.”There were many things that happened that could have derailed us if we did not have courage, mentors, each other and a will to make something happen. And in the end, we did bring back the elixir: a large company, many employees and a great reputation.

In the end, the Hero’s Journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, transformation, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. And here is the funny thing, when you finish this journey, another will come along if you’re listening. What are you hearing? Is there a call on your life?