Star Wars and a Message for 2018

During his brilliant career as a scholar of comparative mythology, Joseph Campbell introduced us to a paradigm for storytelling that became known as the "Hero's Journey." As a narrative pattern, examples of the Hero's Journey can be found in stories told throughout ancient and modern history, including George Lucas's Star Wars, whose most recent chapter, "The Last Jedi," opened this weekend.

The Hero's Journey leads us to the edge of a threshold, where we are faced with a choice—take the next step or turn back...

On the other side of the threshold lies a world of possibility and opportunities for personal achievement, artistic/professional advancement, spiritual growth, connection with others, and love...

But something holds us back—it's all those thoughts in our heads, those all-too-logical reasons: "Now is not the right time. It's too dangerous. A fool's errand! I might lose everything I've worked so hard to achieve." It's all those doubts and fears...fears of loss, failure, rejection, making a mistake. Most of all, I think, it's fear of the unknown...

On this side of the threshold lies the comfort and security of the familiar. The routine can be tedious, but at least it's safe.

Yet we have the power of choice. We can choose to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of something different, something revolutionary, a taste of freedom...Yes! We can choose to face our fears and take that step into the unknown...it just requires a little faith and a little courage...

Joseph Campbell would advise us to "follow our bliss" into the year 2018 and beyond...

A Hero Dreams
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