The Hero’s Journey can help guide Change!

In our 21st Century World we each each strive to embody our ‘best selves’. It takes courage, conviction and some discipline to make change. However, one of the most powerful tools for transformation is inspiration. It has been said, “If I can speak from my mind, I can change your mind, and if I can speak from my heart, I can change your heart, but if I speak from my life, my story, I can change your life”. This is the essence of the Finding Joe, you will hear from individuals, many not unlike yourself. You will understand the classic Hero’s Journey, a phrase coined by the esteemed scholar Joseph Campbell. It describes the process, the journey, the story we all share in small or large ways. There is a beginning to the journey- you are going along in life and there is a change, a fork in the road. Then you come up to a challenge/battle/block which you uniquely move through and beyond. Finally, you return, you come back into life but wiser, richer, and uniquely transformed by the journey itself.

Why Do You Need To ‘Find Joe’?

We all need sources for inspiration and transformation; transforming us by hearing and feeling the stories we all share. Additionally, we will feel our hearts blossom when the feel the intimate connection with those sharing their stories. We can relate to their pain, their life, and their connection to others and the world around them. As well, we will glean the tools they might share, the strategies that have worked for them. Everyone has their own hacks, tools and some tricks for getting though our shared journeys.

Seekers And Authentic Teachers

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears”, while I find that statement to be true, I also know that many seekers want the safety and support of an authentic teacher. Living at an ashram or in an intentional community as I have, or even attending our Yoga Teacher Training all have one special quality; authenticity in communication. Authentic communication is often represented as speaking your truth, and being heard objectively. These authentic communication skills are embedded in any healthy, contemporary community. You are your word, you are the agreements you adhere to, and the intentions you create within that community.

To explain The Hero’s Journey in a real-world example of transformation I like to give the example of the ‘dog-kicking truck driver’. Now let me start with the disclaimer, stating- I have no issues with truck drivers (I thought about that career at one point, I love to drive!), nor do I believe they are stereotyped as having any of these qualities. I am speaking to one example. A truck driver who is overweight, tired, has back pain and he/she is moody. They return home from the road trip, grumpy, tired, and in pain, and kick the dog.

The truck driver finally decides it is time to make some lifestyle changes, he knows he is out of balance and unhealthy. He is a seeker of transformation! He then chooses to explore some new lifestyle tools and support (perhaps with community support, or even a teacher?!). He lost some weight, his back feels better, and he enjoys driving again, with more energy and a better mood he looks forward to coming home to play with his dog! It’s a lovely story of success.

The Imperfect Teacher

Here is a key point of our Finding Joe/Hero’s Journey model. Who do you think is the perfect teacher for the dog-kicking truck driver? Yes! The FORMER dog-kicking truck driver. In our experience, the ideal teacher to support someone’s transformation is one who has gone through the transformation themselves. There is an opportunity to hear the tricks, and shortcuts, and ‘hacks’, the sweat, blood and tears from one who has walked the same path.

We all need to be heard and accepted ‘just as we are’. Being heard and accepted gives others permission to show up authentically as well. Our troubled world needs real mentors. Mentors who live an authentic life that empowers them to support themselves, their families, communities and our world. An authentic community includes a version of The Hero’s Journey represented in an objective, inclusive community. Acceptance and inclusion is not typical in our 21st Century society and culture.

Take A Breath for Change-

Your Personalized Mindfulness

Practice Being BRAVE For Your Own Hero’s Journey!

Finally, we offer our B.R.A.V.E. methodology to support those of you exploring the deeper truth represented in The Hero’s Journey / Finding Joe film. Think of it as a way to integrate those themes. We encourage you to find a personalized mindfulness recording which corresponds to where you are on your own journey. Mindfulness in this context describes the personalized mindfulness B.R.A.V.E. (Breathe, Relax, Allow, Visualize, Empower) practices we have used for over 13 years in Take a Breath for Change.

Relative to the Hero’s Journey and integrating Take a Breath methodology you might find (through a formal or intuitive assessment) you have arrived at the Separation- a fork in the road-a change, where it is best to use the practices of Breathe and Relax. Or perhaps you have progressed on your journey to the point of the challenge/your edge- the Initiation, and you are up against real change, but address it while remaining relaxed (Allowing). Or maybe you are arriving at the Return, coming back to the world, your life, with a Visualization of inspiration and information that supports an Empowered future you can see as a possibility. We believe these tools are the authentic changes we all seek, and ultimately will serve your community and the world as you bravely! explore and create your unique journey.