There is also no security in refusing the call to adventure. It may feel like security, but in the end the bottom drops out from under everyone. So follow your bliss before you fall into the abyss
True story: last year when I was in Turkey I went for a hike by myself, with only vague directions and no GPS. When I couldn’t find the path back down the mountain, I thought - fuck it, I’m the kind of woman who makes her own path.
So, in the 40 degree heat, I started to scale down the side of the mountain because I am AN ABSOLUTE MAD WOMAN.
I had to drop down sort of rocky ledge to ledge between scrubby trees. It was incredibly nerve wracking and IDIOTIC but: I AM A WOMAN WHO MAKES HER OWN WAY!
Eventually I found a goat or sheep skeleton which had fallen onto a ledge and died. And I realised then that I was also likely making my own path to my death.
This, thankfully, brought me to my senses and I slowly scaled my way back up the mountain.
As I finally accepted that I would have to walk back the way I came (boring), I finally found the real pathway down. The pathway of others. The pathway of life.
"where commitment falls away". This is a curious statement. Not at all sure what he means by it. Bukowski said, "Don't try." I wonder if they are talking about the same idea.
I will send this to my parents, to all the nay sayers, and doubters, all the people who keep saying " but is it safe Jo?". " What will the outcome be Jo?"
Thanks Joseph. Good to have you by my side on this "hero trip," your words from the grave but alive on the page. Powerful. Jo x
In the old zen story the guy on the breaking branch notices a berry growing on it so he pops it in his mouth, presumably savouring the taste all the way down. The tigers might have liked it too.
Always looking to be in that still point, where there is “no obligation or commitment.” (Thanks to Penni Livingstone for the wording.) Beloved Joseph Campbell — scholar, seer, and teacher.
Beautifully profound. I am imagining the truth that when we know the truth about ourselves in our individual Christ office, spiritually perfect, we see there is nothing more to do to be who we are. No obligation or commitment. I love this message.
There is also no security in refusing the call to adventure. It may feel like security, but in the end the bottom drops out from under everyone. So follow your bliss before you fall into the abyss
No need to worry about the abyss.
We’re already in it.
Like that person on the breaking branch
between the two tigers.
The nice part is knowing that
we’re finally done with talking or hearing bullshit.
Well, that's well beyond staring into the abyss and having the abyss stare back into you. I wonder what Nietzsche would advise re: the tigers
Wow.
Lol, a well-placed palindrome
This. Campbell lights the way.
“Where there is a way or path,
it is someone else's path.
You are not on your own path.
If you follow someone else's way,
you are not going to realize
your potential.”
True story: last year when I was in Turkey I went for a hike by myself, with only vague directions and no GPS. When I couldn’t find the path back down the mountain, I thought - fuck it, I’m the kind of woman who makes her own path.
So, in the 40 degree heat, I started to scale down the side of the mountain because I am AN ABSOLUTE MAD WOMAN.
I had to drop down sort of rocky ledge to ledge between scrubby trees. It was incredibly nerve wracking and IDIOTIC but: I AM A WOMAN WHO MAKES HER OWN WAY!
Eventually I found a goat or sheep skeleton which had fallen onto a ledge and died. And I realised then that I was also likely making my own path to my death.
This, thankfully, brought me to my senses and I slowly scaled my way back up the mountain.
As I finally accepted that I would have to walk back the way I came (boring), I finally found the real pathway down. The pathway of others. The pathway of life.
Thank you. Someone has to bring some Sense to all those romantics
"where commitment falls away". This is a curious statement. Not at all sure what he means by it. Bukowski said, "Don't try." I wonder if they are talking about the same idea.
Commitment to what you think you are, or know, I imagine.
I will send this to my parents, to all the nay sayers, and doubters, all the people who keep saying " but is it safe Jo?". " What will the outcome be Jo?"
Thanks Joseph. Good to have you by my side on this "hero trip," your words from the grave but alive on the page. Powerful. Jo x
Thanks for the encouragement, Joseph Campbell.
Oh man, this morning, this hits home for me. It encapsulates a lot of my own held beliefs. I appreciate you sharing this.
“…finding that still point in your mind where commitment falls away.” That’s a tall order but one devoutly to be wished!
A point “where commitment drops away”? What kind of commitments, I would be curious to know
In the old zen story the guy on the breaking branch notices a berry growing on it so he pops it in his mouth, presumably savouring the taste all the way down. The tigers might have liked it too.
Ponderous solemnity.
The simple truth is that there are two
dark mysteries always present:
one is me the other is the world around me
which is composed of countless other mysteries
such as cats, ravens and you.
YES Joseph Campbell is a favorite and has been for a long while. I watched every show of his and think we still might be able to access them.
Always looking to be in that still point, where there is “no obligation or commitment.” (Thanks to Penni Livingstone for the wording.) Beloved Joseph Campbell — scholar, seer, and teacher.
Beautifully profound. I am imagining the truth that when we know the truth about ourselves in our individual Christ office, spiritually perfect, we see there is nothing more to do to be who we are. No obligation or commitment. I love this message.
Yes!
Love this