This month I have been interviewing experts in areas related to the four pillars of the Home in Harmony Lifestyle. It has been so fascinating to talk with these individuals! Each expert has been sharing his or her philosophy on designing an inspired life, be it through his or her home, body, mind or spirit, which has been molded and shaped by his or her life experience. The commonality between them is that they all were willing to step up, and share their passion with the world. Their gifts were found along their life path, many of which I would consider a hero’s journey. (You know, the journey where the hero must walk through some type of darkness or odyssey and with their courage, integrity and spirit they are able to prevail becoming stronger and developing a solid sense of who they truly are at their core.) Instead of being defeated by adversity, or shying away from doing the extraordinary, a flame was ignited inside these individuals. They are similar to street lanterns lit along a foggy street in that they radiantly shine their light to illuminate a path to, what they have found is, an inspired way of living.
We all go through some version of a hero’s journey as we travel along the path of life. They can be big or small. It is how we move through these situations, and whether we are able to grown and expand or if we shrink and deflate from them. Sometimes the realization that what you are going through is a hero’s journey can help you move through them with strength and fortitude.
Let’s take a better look at what a hero’s journey is…
The first stage is comfortable, ordinary living. Life rolls along the way it has for a long time and you are in your comfort zone. But, something begins to nudge you, tap you on the shoulder and begin to tug at your consciousness. Is there something more to life?
This nudge, tap, or tug is the second stage of a hero’s journey which calls you towards a great adventure, new horizon, and spectacular vista. Your view of the world and the potential it holds is forever changed now that you have a new found awareness of this potential of possibility. A veil has been lifted and you can clearly see beyond where you were able to see before.
The lure of the adventure ahead entices you to cross the threshold of your comfort zone and move you into the third stage. You know that you have moved beyond your comfort zone, but you also know in your heart there is no turning back.
In the fourth stage of the typical hero’s journey, the hero or heroine needs to gather the courage necessary to face their own inner fears, the doubts of others, and decide whether to walk into the “dragon’s lair” head on. Are you willing to make the move necessary to live your passion and purpose? For some it might be deciding to have a child, others quit a job to follow their dreams, or they say yes to a new relationship. Looking back at your life can you see the times you stood at the doorway of the den knowing however scary it might be that it was the right choice, the only choice if you are to follow the stirrings of your soul?
Entering the dark cave the hero becomes disoriented, disillusioned. Was this the best decision? Should I have done it differently? Why did I move out of my comfort zone? This fifth stage is what some refer to as “the dark night of the soul”. But, the hero continues on and moves through the fear, trepidation, and pain.
As the hero moves towards the light out of the dark cave they are transformed, strengthened, and revitalized. They have come through their ordeal stronger, and with a new resolve to lead a better life based on their newfound awareness and experiences. This sixth stage is a rebirth of the spirit, and allows the hero to look back and appreciate where he has come from and the new path he now travels that allows him to be the grandest version of himself.
The seventh stage is becoming comfortable with this new version of you. However, because we are ever evolving beings, the nudge, tap, or tug begin to stir the soul and entice you towards a new horizon. The question always is, will you follow the pull?
Looking at the big picture of our lives we can see how we circle through the hero’s journey time and time again. Despite the fact that it might not be the most comfortable of experiences to traverse, we grow and transform with each new awareness, awakening and shift. It really is a beautiful circle of growth. And, when we look at life’s challenges through this model it can help us continue to move through the doorway of fear because we know there is expansive light on the other side!
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Happy Soaring!
XOXO
