As follow-up to the Web discussion last evening (6/18/2020), I’d like to offer this… simply as “Food for Thought”.
During the discussion, there were several references to “The Hero Journey”. It is my understanding this is a shared belief and experience within AGOM. Personally, this concept, especially as articulated by Joseph Campbell, is a “center-piece” for me in my relationship w/ AGOM. It is also a “cornerstone” for how I now try to live my life – including helping others onto or along the path. In my case, I discovered & embraced “The Hero Journey” many years ago… but only recently found “like-minded” men within AGOM.
As I considered the various aspect of last night’s conversation, I asked myself “What would I say to any man about AGOM”?
This is roughly what I came up with:
“There IS a Hero Journey every man travels.
It has always existed & the path has been travelled by millions before you.
Many men travel without awareness – blindly traveling without a compass or map.
Many men feel they are traveling alone – yet they sense the footprints of previous travelers.
Some men gain awareness of the journey.
Some even help to map the journey for the benefit of the next man.
Some men, who have travelled the path, are willing to listen to & help those on the path – especially when they must travel through the rough sections.
Some men gain life-changing benefits from awareness of the journey – and the gifts they find along the way.AGOM is a community of men who are aware of this journey and embrace it’s challenges.
Each man brings himself to AGOM, to listen and share with others who understand the challenges.
Sometimes you may share in a manner that helps another man on his journey.
Sometimes another man might share in a manner that helps you on your journey.”
Building upon comments from Ray last evening, I would also offer this:
“Within today’s culture, many men have lost access to their own souls. Many men are wounded – yet not aware that these wounds are openings to our souls. And, within our souls, lie our gifts and our light.”The Hero Journey” offers a path towards both Healing & Reclaiming you soul & gifts.”
Personally, I believe most men are unaware of the hero journey. I believe this is a “GIFT” we (as AGOM members) can offer – starting with Awareness & our Listening. I don’t believe it’s a “message” that needs to be crafted for a specific age category – it fits to men of all ages, when they are ready to hear it.
To be clear about my intention in writing this – this is NOT Marketing. This is a core belief (or aspiration) being shared in an imaginary setting. This is not “evangelism” or “dogma” – just timeless information that might prove useful to many men. As mentioned last evening, “ATTRACTION” might be the most potent form of “outreach” to other Men, be they Younger or Older.
To quote Joseph Campbell:
“Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone;
for the heroes of all time have gone before us, the labyrinth is fully known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path…. and where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence; where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.”
~ tom
Kokopelli Warrior