The Hero With A Thousand Faces

I love that title. It comes from a book by Joseph Campbell who I have great admiration for.his work on myth, including this and “The Power Of Myth” which was both a book and a series of interviews with Bill Moyers. I highly suggest especially The Power OF Myth. However, it is not so much the books that I want to focus on, but the title. It truly speaks to me. It is almost as in Taoism when they would talk of the 10,000 things, meaning all of nature. The Hero with a thousand faces is much the same. The hero is in all of us, and, strangely we find that by being willing to surrender to what is, we  become who we are meant to be. 

Imagine a great rain. After the sun finally comes out, eventually banishing the darkness, and shining brightly on every puddle. If each  puddle could think, perhaps they would be like us, thinking they are the source of light rather than a conduit for it’s radiance. 

We are much the same. It is easy to think you are responsible for your station in life, and of course in large part you are, However any genius that comes from you comes from the creative source, the heart. If we begin to use our gifts in pursuit of narcissism and greed we slip into thinking that ends justifies the means. 

If we are focused on the superficial we will find ourselves susceptible to hate and fear. We will seek to get ahead by tearing someone else down. This is not for us, you and I. If a person or group so focused becomes convinced that cannibalism is an effective way to win, would we follow suit? The need to dominate is an insecurity. The beautiful do not need to tell, you; you already noticed. Those who are truly powerful do not brag.

At the center of your being the hero looks out . If you surrender to it the light will shine from your eyes and heart.. You can not make it serve you, you are here to serve it. You will find purpose and joy meant specifically for you.  We live a miraculous life and when we give ourselves to it, not holding back, saying yes to life ,we receive more  than we could have hoped. This is a powerful and troubling time. Give yourself to the hero that is in your deepest heart. Do not look to others for what is unique.. Look to your own heart, We need you to shine and lead us. You are what  we have been looking for. The Hero.