Coach for The Journey Blog

The Power of Women's Friendships

In reviewing the survey responses, I have found some interesting statistics. In response to the question "Who encouraged you to consider your contribution to the world?", women responded "friend" most frequently. In fact, there has been a trading off of the first place answer to this question between "friend" and "teacher." Both are fascinating. And both responses are more frequent than either "mother" or "father".

Most of us may not be surprised by the importance of friendships to women. But I am pleasantly surprised to see that the development of one's legacy is a focus of these friendships. I am curious to know about the context of these discussions. I know, for myself, these discussions are a natural part of a women's group that I belong to. But I am sure the issue of one's contribution to the world happens in all kinds of friendship circles, whether it is volunteering together, working together, supporting each other in parenting, mentoring another woman, etc.

What is your experience with friendships helping you to define your leagcy?

The Call to Adventure

In The Hero's Journey, the call to adventure often comes via a messenger or herald. It signals the "mystery of transfiguration" that is the beginning. It can range from the personal, such a growing up or awakening to the self, to the communal, such as taking on some task of historic importance, to a spiritual illumination. The transformation results in the death of the former self and a re-birth into something new.

The call to adventure frequently takes place shrouded in darkness, the forest being a favorite setting. The messenger of the adventure is often seen as dark and terrifying or veiled, representing the unknown. Even with this, the hero is attracted to this figure and follows the messenger as a guide. While the story may be told as an adventure out in the world, in essence, the hero is ushered in to the realm of the unconscious "for the frog, the serpent, the rejected one, is the representative of that unconscious deep wherein are hoarded all of the rejected, unadmitted, unrecognized, unknown, or undeveloped factors, laws, and elements of existence."

The hero is called to confront his own depths. "Destiny has summoned the hero and transferred his spiritual center from within the pale of his society to a zone unknown."

What do you remember about how you were called to confront your own depths?